December Graduation Spotlight: Ariel Klinke

Ariel Klinke will graduate from Hardin-Simmons University with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a minor in special education. During her studies, she balanced her time working with the Alliance for Women and Children, caring for children across the Big Country. After graduating, she will move back to her hometown of Odessa, Texas, to work as a third-grade teacher of ELAR (English, Language Arts, and Reading) and social studies for the Ector County Independent School District (ECISD). 

While HSU is far from home, Ariel was familiar with the campus through family friends even before attending. Reflecting on her initial visit to HSU, she shared, “When I toured the campus, I liked the environment while also having an amazing atmosphere of people.”  

Ariel with her ESA cat named Heidi, who was with Ariel for two years at HSU.

The people indeed held her interest as a student since she made many long-lasting friendships with the professors. Her natural curiosity led her to ask question after question to the point where if she were silent in Ms. Prentice’s classroom, which Ariel noted as some of her favorite set of classes, the professor would ask, “Are you sure there aren’t any more questions?” Other professors who left an impression on Ariel were Dr. Dean, who gave Ariel many valuable lessons (and the student’s first C grade), as well as Dr. Collins and Mrs. Burke, both for encouraging her on her path toward graduation. Of these influences, Ariel said, “They are some of the kindest and most beautiful people I have ever met.” 

Mrs. Mary Burke shared the same warm sentiment toward Ariel. The two formed a close bond throughout Ariel’s time on campus. “From her first semester freshman year, Ariel stood apart from her peers,” Burke reflected. “She was academically driven, had her priorities figured out, and took the initiative. She was a model student. Ariel exemplifies the best of the best at Hardin-Simmons. I am so proud of her and so happy for her!” 

She imagines she will treasure her close relationships with the professors with whom Ariel formed a community on campus most after her time at HSU, even as she will be teaching at ECISD. “I will look back on all the memories that I have built with my professors,” she said with certainty. “Maybe even calling or texting them with all my questions as we are, after all, lifelong learners.”