Featuring Ava Hoffschneider of Lincoln, Neb., who is majoring in Secondary English Education.
When she was a freshman, being president of the Wayne State Student Senate wasn’t something Ava Hoffschneider thought she would ever achieve; however, to paraphrase one of her favorite Barry Manilow songs, it looks like she made it. The junior from Lincoln, Neb., who is majoring in Secondary English Education, is the fall semester’s first installment in the Student Spotlight Series.
Hoffschneider and her vice president, Braxton Dalton of Raymond, Neb., will lead the Student Senate for the 2025-26 academic year. Hoffschneider said the focus for the fall semester will be to connect with the student body and keep them informed about issues the Student Senate is handling.
“We want everyone to know what issues we’re looking at and what decisions are being made,” said Hoffschneider. “In the spring, we’ll be engaging students through various tabling events. Ultimately, the goal is to connect with as many students as possible and learn about the issues that directly benefit each student we talk to.”
For Hoffschneider, working with students comes naturally, and it’s a big reason she chose Secondary English Education as a major.
“I chose my major partly because I enjoy being in a school setting, and I love being in classrooms where discoveries are made and in hallways that are filled with a lot of chatting and engagement,” said Hoffschneider. “I love literature, and I’m excited that my future career will allow me to bring what I love to my students. I’ve been fortunate to have had a lot of teachers who have changed my life and influenced my decision to pursue education.”
While her former teachers influenced her career choice, her parents influenced her decision to attend Wayne State.
“Both of my parents grew up in or near the country, and I grew up spending a lot of time in these special places during weekends and breaks from school,” said Hoffschneider. “When I visited Wayne State, I loved the drive through the countryside that we took to get here and the friendly people that welcomed us to campus. Everything I love about where my parents are from is present here at Wayne State, and I am still so elated that I get to enjoy this happy place every day!”
“I think Wayne has impressed me with how quickly it felt like home,” continued Hoffschneider. “Professors and students here are quick to make connections and remember your name, and I love how close-knit this campus feels. Each time I return to campus after a break, I feel like I am coming home.”
In addition to the Student Senate, Hoffschneider is active in Wildcat Catholic (Wayne State Newman Center), Sigma Tau Delta (international English honor society), and intramurals. She also serves as a Wayne State Navigator and as a Peer Mentor for the TRIO Student Support Services program.
Hoffschneider will graduate in May 2027, and she intends to pursue a career as a high school English teacher in a small Nebraska town.
Fun fact: “I love listening to records! I just bought the album 'American Pie' by Don McLean, and I've been playing it nonstop!”