Graduation Story Series: Student to Graduate from Teaching Program after Surviving Car Accident

Originally starting at Idaho State after graduating high school in 2004, Gamache planned on being a music education teacher. However, over the course of his freshman year, Gamache struggled with the subject and ended up leaving the University to pursue full-time work. After being in the workforce for 15 years, Gamache found he still had a passion for teaching and returned to Idaho State, enrolling as a dual major with concentrations in secondary education and history.

As a post-traditional student, defined as a student who simultaneously takes on professional work, life responsibilities, and a full-time educational degree, Gamache faced many challenges throughout his journey in higher education. One instance that stood out to him was when he was in a serious car accident that left him with long-lasting traumatic injuries. In 2022, while on his way to class, Gamache was struck by a bus, which gave him a severe concussion and caused him to struggle to do things he was normally good at, including recalling complex information and learning.

Following his accident, he began to notice the injury affecting his grades. Gamache decided to reach out to his mentors, professors, and advisors at the College of Education, such as Mona Heern, who serves as the field experience coordinator. Gamache was surrounded by incredible support and encouragement, which he noted as amazing. Gamache shared, “My professors and advisors helped me majorly. They went above and beyond for me.”

Although faced with many obstacles, Gamache never lost his determination to finish his degree and become a teacher, as he had his sights set on continuing his education and making a difference as much as possible. Since returning to higher education, Gamache’s GPA has gone up from 2.0 to 3.4, and he holds a place on the National Honors Society, which he is incredibly proud of.

Gamache noted that support in the secondary education program made all the difference, and his professors going above and beyond to make sure that he completed his program ultimately helped him graduate. Gamache’s wife and son were also a strong support system for him through this time. When it came to education, Gamache stressed the importance of overcoming hardships and always showing up for yourself when he said, “I could have thrown in the towel, but I told myself, ‘no.’ I knew it was something I needed to push myself for, for me.”

Gamache chose the secondary education profession because he appreciates the curiosity high school students take when approaching learning new concepts. His teaching focuses on mutual learning and communication with his students, and he enjoys sharing his passion for his chosen subjects with them. When it comes to the secondary education program, Gamache shared, “One of the biggest things I have learned is that you’re never alone.”

As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, Gamache looks forward to having a rewarding career as a secondary education teacher and letting others know that, despite personal hardships, you can succeed through confidence and hard work. Gamache is also grateful for his students, who regularly help him be the best teacher he can be. “I’m always trying to grow, and I think that’s one of the reasons why I love education so much,” Gamache shared. “As a teacher, you’re never done learning, you’re always going to keep learning, so why not put yourself in a place where you can keep learning and growing?”

Gamache is expected to graduate in May 2024 with a double major in secondary education and history, and a place on the National Honor Society. Gamache said that despite having self-doubt, the best reason to do anything is to make yourself proud.

To learn more about the secondary education program at the College of Education, please visit isu.edu/tes.