When Emily Mujica walked across the stage at Mason City High School in 2007, she wasn’t entirely sure where her path would lead. Like many graduates, she decided to start her college journey close to home — and that decision set the stage for a career built on passion, purpose and the power of education.
Finding Her Path at NIACC
Emily chose to attend North Iowa Area Community College to complete her general education requirements while exploring her interests. “When I first graduated high school, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to major in,” she recalls. “NIACC turned out to be the perfect choice.”
Beyond the classroom, NIACC gave Emily the opportunity to continue her love for running by joining the cross country and track teams. The supportive campus community also felt like home — her family had positive experiences there, and she quickly found herself thriving in the close-knit environment. “What I really loved about NIACC was the intimate learning environment,” Emily says.
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
During her time at NIACC (2007–2009), several instructors left a lasting impression. Keith Jaben, a familiar face from high school, helped ease her transition to college. Paul Peterson sparked a passion for writing, leading Emily to join the LOGOS team. And math instructor Chris Brandt, who had also taught her in high school, demonstrated patience and encouragement that helped Emily overcome academic challenges.
From Student to Teacher
After graduating from NIACC in 2010, Emily transferred to Iowa State University, where she earned a B.S. in Child, Adult and Family Services. She began her career as a District Executive with the Boy Scouts of America but soon discovered that her true calling was in education.
She went on to earn a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa and later a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Trauma and Resilience from Concordia University.
Since 2018, Emily has been teaching kindergarten for Lincoln, Nebraska Public Schools — a role she describes as deeply fulfilling. “Teaching wasn’t my original career path, but I came to realize it was my calling,” she explains. “As someone who struggled with school due to a learning disability, I know how important it is for a child to feel confident in their learning. That’s why I became a teacher — to help students succeed and ensure they feel empowered in the classroom.”
Building Strong Foundations
For Emily, one of the greatest joys of her job is being a child’s first teacher. “It’s such a special role to welcome kids into the world of education,” she says. “I work alongside families to make sure our classroom is a safe, caring, and joyful place to be.”
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. Emily was nominated by her administrators for the 2023 Inspire Award and named the 2024 Thank You Teacher of the Year — an honor that holds special meaning because it came from a family. “To me, the profound connection with students and families is the highest form of recognition, and it was an honor to receive the award from the Governor of Nebraska.”
