WCU Magazine Summer 2026

When Aaliyah Wood ’26 remembers her first semester at West Chester, she recalls struggling to find her place. Like many first-year students, she found it hard to adjust to life as a university student. Her solution to feeling less alone was to create Future Teachers United, a student-led organization in the College of Education and Social Work.

“I struggled a lot with finding a sense of belonging…I love people. I love being around people and making people laugh and smile,” recalls Wood, who is the 2026 Outstanding Teacher Education Senior Award winner. “I thought, ‘If I can’t find this space on campus, I’ll just create it myself, because I know there are other people out there who are feeling the same way as me.’”

Three years later, the organization she founded continues to support aspiring teachers, promoting inclusivity and encouraging personal and professional growth. In 2025, the group earned the Society of WCU Student Service Leadership Award presented at the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration.

Wood entered WCU as a business major, but quickly switched to education, majoring in early grades preparation. As the oldest of six children, she says she assumed the teaching role with her siblings at an early age. She drew inspiration from her great-grandmother, who always emphasized having a purpose and a passion. “I always knew I wanted to do something where I could inspire other people,” Wood says. She found it in teaching.

Wood’s campus contributions didn’t end with establishing Future Teachers United. A first-generation college student, she became secretary of First Gen Rams. The organization helps first-generation college students feel engaged and supported by the broader University community and their peers.

“My whole mission for being in First Gen Rams was to let people know that I’m here as a resource. I’m not just the secretary,” she says. “I am so grateful for all my experiences because I know where to find almost every resource on campus. I can answer most questions. Even if you just need someone to motivate you to keep going, I will be there for you in any way you need. I just want [first-generation students] to know they’re not alone and that there are other students who feel the same way.”

Wood was elected to Tri-Alpha, the first-generation student honor society, and serves as its historian. Her other honors include being an 1871 Award Winner, recognizing students making significant contributions to campus and representing the College of Education and Social Work as senator in student government. “I’m very grateful for my journey here,” Wood says.