Crowded Mind to Caring Classroom

A horizon-expanding education

Haylie always had an inkling that she wanted to teach. As a gymnastics coach throughout high school, she saw young athletes experience ups and downs as they learned new skills, navigated adolescence and pushed themselves to their limits. She cheered on their successes and supported them when they were down. 

“You see a little bit of yourself in them, so you can meet them where they are and help from there,” she said. “I’ve also learned a lot about the early signs of someone struggling. I feel like that will help in my future classroom.”
 
As a senior attending South Fayette High School, she had the opportunity to attend a few classes at the School of Education. Inspiring professors and enthusiastic students reinforced that Duquesne was the place for her.
 
“The faculty and students were so welcoming, and they made Duquesne feel like home,” said Haylie. “Throughout the summer, they continued to show that they cared for me as a student and that they supported me, which was probably the biggest reason I chose Duquesne.”
 
Now a middle-level education major pursuing a dual certification in special education, Haylie hopes to teach upper elementary or middle school students because that’s where she thinks she can make the biggest impact. 
 
“Middle school years were the hardest for me—just balancing grades, academics, social, friendships and a sport,” she said. “I grew up struggling in school as a shy, quiet student who felt overlooked. I want to make sure every student that walks through my door is seen, heard and noticed.”
 
Compassion for others carries over into everything Haylie does. She recently started her first field placement at Carriage House Children’s Center in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. 
 
“Each week we go to a different age level within the preschool,” she said. “I’ve learned a tremendous amount about how to talk to children and how they interact with each other, and I’ve observed how teachers handle situations.”

Finding strength and community

Outside the classroom, Crowded Mind Project keeps Haylie busy and fulfilled. The initiative began in 2024 when she quit playing softball and struggled with the transition.
 
“I played my entire life, and now my peace was gone in a sense,” she said. “I knew I wanted to do something about mental health and spreading awareness.”
 
Though Haylie initially launched Crowded Mind Project as a temporary campaign, she quickly realized she was “in it for the long run.” Since then, the initiative has expanded beyond eating disorder awareness to cover a full spectrum of mental health conditions on Instagram and TikTok—and she’s shown no signs of slowing down.
 
Through posts that highlight Haylie’s personal challenges, resources and motivational content, she observes mental health awareness months and weeks and provides vital information about where and how individuals can reach out for help. 
 
“I post about taking care of yourself and your mental health, body image topics, eating disorders and motivational posts to brighten someone’s day,” she said. “I also post about my personal story and journey with mental health.”
 
Haylie believes that her persistence in overcoming obstacles will make her a better teacher and hopes to launch a meaningful career in a fourth or fifth grade classroom. She also thinks her story leaves her more open to the lives and experiences of others, enabling her to identify students who may be struggling so she can provide them with the support and resources they need. 
 
For now, she brings her positive spirit and encouragement to campus organizations including Best Buddies, Delight Ministries and School of Education Ambassadors. Through Crowded Mind Project and her day-to-day interactions, she wants to create enduring connections and remind her friends, classmates and future students that they are not alone in their struggles. 
 
“You don't want to look at the whole staircase and stress yourself out or get overwhelmed. Just try to stay present in the moment and focus on the step that you are on currently,” said Haylie. “Take it day-by-day and focus on the step you’re on now.”