By Matt Nixon
At just 18 years old, Josh Krivanek has been teaching for years.
Throughout his earlier teenage years, the Georgia State University Class of 2022 Presidential Scholar took on volunteer work, internships, and seasonal jobs where he could encourage and enrich those younger than him. He played forward on the McIntosh High School basketball team and worked as a baseball umpire and basketball referee in the Peachtree City-area recreation leagues. He also served as the leader for a local middle school’s Christian fellowship program, WyldLife.
“I love being around younger kids and having the opportunity to teach them how to think for themselves and pursue their own education,” said Krivanek. “Working with them helps me, makes me accountable for living what I advocate.”
As a high-schooler, Krivanek was chosen by Fayette Co. Public Schools for an internship at Rising Starr Middle School. There, he observed the workings of school administration and served as a lead instructor in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classrooms, providing lessons in all major subject areas.
His second opportunity to work with Fayette Co. Public Schools was not one Krivanek was hoping for, however.
After two McIntosh High School students died during a school year, Krivanek became an advocate, working alongside other McIntosh students in an effort to heighten understanding among school and district officials of the concerns—from academic and social pressures to depression and mental health issues—students were facing. With the students’ collaboration, Fayette Co. Public Schools is working to design a 21st Century vision for the system’s high schools and their students, parents, and local businesses.
“Growing up, I always saw education as the one thing that was—or should be—attainable to make for a better life,” said Krivanek. “Once you have an education, no one can take it away from you and I’ve been passionate my whole life about empowering other students however I can.”
Having access to professional development and possible career opportunities while he was in college was one of the key factors that drew Krivanek to Georgia State University. Receiving the Honors College Presidential Scholarship sealed the deal.
“The Presidential Scholarship has freed me financially to concentrate on my school work and my assistantship,” said Krivanek. “The opportunity to have the small community within the Honors College, while also having access to a large university in a major urban area made me dead set on going here.”
Krivanek will major in education with a middle and secondary school emphasis. His dream is to teach high school social sciences then eventually move into high school administration.
Josh Krivanek wants to be a teacher. But for now, he’s ready to learn.
For more information about the Presidential Scholarship or to apply, go to https://honors.gsu.edu/the-presidential-scholarship/