From Student to Teacher: Price Makes Impact on Young Learners

For Landry Price, the classroom isn’t always defined by four walls and a lesson plan.

Sometimes, it looks like a group of grade school students gathered around a table, hands covered in paint, learning about creativity, teamwork and even a little bit about college along the way.

Price, a student ambassador at Lincoln Trail College, has spent the academic year working with the Boys and Girls Club of Crawford County, helping bring young students to campus for monthly educational experiences. What started as an idea has grown into a hands-on learning opportunity for both the children and Price.

“It’s been really fun,” Price said. “I like seeing new kids and new faces and getting to know them every time they come.” 

The program began in August, with Price and another student ambassador developing a plan to host the students on the last Tuesday of each month. Each visit centers on a different theme, from science and art to financial literacy, combining simple lessons with interactive activities.

During each visit, students also get a glimpse of college life. For many, it’s their first time on a campus.

“If they’re new kids, we try to give them a quick tour,” Price said. “Then we’ll have our lesson and activity.” 

The goal is twofold: introduce students to new ideas while also helping them see college as something within reach.

That mission resonates deeply with Price, who plans to pursue a career in education. The experience has given him an early look at what it takes to lead a classroom and everything that comes with it.

“Crowd control,” he said with a laugh. “Sometimes even a small group can be a lot, especially with more rambunctious kids.” 

Beyond managing energy levels, Price is learning how to connect with students, adapt lessons and keep them engaged. These are skills that can’t be fully taught in a textbook.

Each monthly session begins with preparation. Price looks for ideas online, then adapts them to fit both the age group and the message he wants to share.

During a recent art activity, he combined creativity with campus pride by having students create handprint designs that revealed the LTC logo.

“I kind of mesh ideas together, mine and somebody else’s,” Price said. 

But for Price, the most rewarding moments come when he sees the impact.

“My favorite part is seeing the kids get excited even more every time they come,” he said. 

That excitement hasn’t gone unnoticed. According to feedback shared with the college, the students often talk about their visits long after they leave campus, a sign that the experience is making a lasting impression.

For Price, that’s exactly the point.

“It makes me feel awesome,” he said. “Being a teacher, that’s my main goal, to help these kids be the good in life and be leaders.” 

As a first-year student, Price didn’t expect to take on a role that so closely mirrors his future career. What he thought would be a typical college experience has turned into something more, a chance to step into the role of educator before earning a degree.

“I didn’t expect to basically be a classroom teacher,” he said. 

Now, as he looks ahead, Price sees the program as more than a one-year commitment. It’s a foundation for what comes next and a reminder of why he chose this path in the first place.

Each visit reinforces that path, one activity, one lesson and one group of students at a time.