Hello everyone! My name is Christina Mumpower and I am currently in my second semester as a Masters in Information student at Florida State University. I received my bachelors in Education Sciences at the University of Florida in May 2025. I was born and raised in California, but after a few moves thanks to my Navy husband, we have settled just south of Jacksonville, Florida. I also have a 17-year-old junior in high school whom I adore.
I currently work at an elementary school in the Clay County School District as a media tech (library assistant). I love my job and have my Media certificate, but school media specialist jobs are becoming harder to find in this district. I obtained my 6-12 English certificate as well and hope to be in a teaching position next school year.
I am an older student, having paused my schooling for various reasons. As I started working in schools, I fell in love with my media tech job and decided that I wanted to be a librarian, whether it be in a high school, college, or a public library. This led me to go back to school so I could reach that goal. Better late than never!
This class piqued my interest as I have started dabbling in media presentations for lessons I create and know that adding visual interest and interactivity to lessons can lead to more engaged students.
When I am not working or studying, I try to travel as much as possible, attend trivia nights with my friends every week, and go to as many ECHL hockey games as possible (go Icemen!). I also am an avid reader, which probably comes as no surprise. I look forward to learning with you all!
Hi Christina, I look forward to learning with you as well! We are coming at this degree from slightly different angles, as I entered the program immediately upon completion of my bachelor program (English). However the variety of people I have gotten to meet in this program, who are all at different points in their lives and careers, has been one of my favorite aspects. Also, what kinds of books do you prefer to read? Or are you the type to read a variety of genres? I personally read a lot of fantasy, but I also dabble in other fiction genres, and lately I have been trying to read more non-fiction recreationally.
Hello Christina, I’m a California native as well (go Niners!). I was a non-traditional student when I got my degree, so I understand the difficulties of balancing an established life with your studies, but we got this. I enrolled in the class for similar reasons, and I think it will be invaluable.
Hi Christina, it’s nice to meet you! It’s so cool that you’re a school media specialist! I looked into becoming one of those when I was trying to figure out my next steps after undergrad, though I ultimately ended up at a public library. I can definitely understand what you mean about school media specialist jobs becoming harder to find; when I was job searching, there weren’t very many positions open at all in the counties I looked through. Also, a little while ago I went to a hockey game while visiting my little brother, and I can totally get why you’d try to go to as many as possible—they’re so fun!