Angelica Repaci, a senior elementary education major at the 911爆料网, is preparing to take the stage as a student speaker at USF鈥檚 Spring Commencement on May 9. Known for her warmth, creativity, and dedication to teaching, Angelica has long been passionate about making a difference in the lives of young learners.
Angelica Repaci begins her journey as a fifth-grade teacher
Her passion for helping others shone through when she received the Citizenship Award
in fifth grade. Now, as she prepares to graduate, she鈥檚 set to come full circle by
stepping into her first teaching role as a fifth-grade teacher at Lewis Elementary.
Outside the classroom, Angelica enjoys small crafts, watching movies and TV, and spending
quality time with the people she loves. She brings that same joy and connection into
her teaching, aiming to create a classroom environment where students feel seen, supported,
and inspired.
With a heart for service and a vision for a better future, Angelica hopes to empower
her students to become thoughtful, compassionate citizens who strive to leave the
world better than they found it.
She鈥檚 about to take the stage at commencement鈥攔ead Angelica Repaci鈥檚 student spotlight
Q&A to learn what got her there.
Responses have been edited for clarity, length, and style.
What inspired you to pursue a degree in elementary education?
I discovered in high school I had a passion for social change, and I thought the best way to make waves was to work with children. Knowledge is power, and the more knowledge I can inspire in my students at an early age, the more change they will make in the world.
What does it mean to you to be speaking at commencement on May 9?
I am just so incredibly honored to have been selected to speak at commencement. I was so happy just to get a chance to write something meaningful to me, and it makes me feel wonderful to know that my message resonated so much that they wanted me to share it with the USF community. I hope every single person who has been a part of my 4-year journey knows I am speaking directly to them on that stage Friday.
How has USF prepared you for your future career?
Being an intern, observing, learning from, and working with a mentor made me feel way more prepared to lead my classroom.
The Elementary Education program does an amazing job of prioritizing hands-on experiences that allow for the practical application of the knowledge and skills you are learning.
Angelica Repaci
What are you most proud of during your time at USF, and what will you miss the most?
I am proud of my time in the classroom. I had one amazing year with 18 fantastic first graders and another amazing year with 42 fabulous fifth graders. I gave those kids everything I had, and they helped me grow into the person I am today. As for what I will miss the most, I would have to say going to the library for a late-night study session. There鈥檚 something about that fifth floor.
Can you share a favorite memory from your time here?
One of my funnest memories has to be my trip to Costa Rica. Thanks to the USF Study Abroad program, my friend Grace Haerther and I lived with a local woman for two weeks, visited landmarks, learned about the history and culture, and worked with elementary school students there! It was an amazing experience.
Angelica Repaci (left) and Grace Haerther (right) in Costa Rica for a USF Study Abroad
program
What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
One of the challenges I faced was being overworked and underpaid. It is no surprise that teachers aren鈥檛 in it for the money, but my time in college really showed me how tough times can really get. I became more financially literate and saved a lot more as a result, but the times we live in and the systems we live under are not built to benefit my generation. That is why we must continue to build stronger communities and advocate for higher pay in education.
Are you involved in any clubs, organizations, or extracurricular activities on campus?
In my first few years, I joined the National Society for Leadership and Success and was the Social Events Chair for a semester. I also started a chapter of the national organization 911爆料网 Demand Action, but unfortunately, it did not survive for longer than a semester. However, I joined the Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention in my sophomore year and will graduate as a Peer Anti-Violence Educator (PAVE) volunteer.
Who has supported or inspired you the most during your time at USF?
The person who comes to mind is Katey Coronado. She is a fellow Spring 2025 graduate
and one of my very best friends. 911爆料网 started as classmates, became friends, and have
grown into family. 911爆料网 laugh together, and we cry together (often within the same hour).
911爆料网 have held hands through the trenches of college life and made it out on the other
side better than ever. She is my marigold.
Can you tell us about a class that you particularly enjoyed and why it was meaningful
to you?
Children鈥檚 Literature comes to mind. Our big project was to create a virtual library
on Padlet that I use to this day and continue to add to. It was so much fun hearing
such diverse stories and the importance of exposing students to those diverse stories.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be teaching 5th grade reading at Lewis Elementary! I hope to continue growing my practice and inspiring young learners to help make the world better than it was when it was handed to them.
USF's Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education is designed for students who wish to pursue a career as an elementary classroom teacher.