Clara (Pohlman) Korensky
Clara (Pohlman) Korensky, BS’22, will travel to Rome for a 10-month course in Spirituality at the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas.
Creighton elementary education grad to study in Rome
Clara (Pohlman) Korensky, BS’22, will travel to Rome in September for a 10-month course in Spirituality at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. A recently married Omaha native who just completed her first-year teaching fourth grade, Clara says her years at Creighton instilled a justice-oriented approach to elementary education.
We asked her some questions.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised right here in Omaha and grew up attending Creighton men's basketball games. I am proud to be a Creighton alum living in Omaha.
How would you describe your Creighton experience?
Transformative. Creighton's Jesuit values helped shape my body, mind and soul. My education pushed me to become the best version of myself (magis); in my sorority I made lifelong friends (men and women for and with others); and throughout my leadership in campus ministry, I strengthened my relationship with Christ (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam).
How did Creighton’s Department of Education set you up for success?
Creighton's Department of Education is a hidden gem! My cohort of elementary education majors became very close, which made our classes engaging, fun and facilitated meaningful discussion. The education professors take a genuine interest in their students, creating a deeply personal experience for me. A special shout-out goes to Carin Appleget, PhD, Jean Louise Hearn, EdD, and April Buschelman, EdD, who fostered a justice-oriented approach to my teaching philosophy.
Was there a professor, mentor, friend, or fellow alumni from your time at Creighton who you still lean on?
I am so grateful to so many people I encountered on my Creighton journey that it’s hard to pick just one friend. A great recent example goes back just a few weeks to my wedding day. I had over three tables full of close friends from Creighton. Not to mention, I got married at St. John's, which also played a huge role in my transformative Creighton experience. There are too many friends and fellow alumni to count.
What would you say to a prospective Creighton education student?
Be a Bluejay! Teaching is a uniquely selfless career path, and Creighton is a unique university that will form you to become the agent of change that is required to be an educator. Also, you will meet incredible peers and professors who deeply care about YOU. That makes a huge difference!
We hear you are headed to Rome for 10 months. Tell us about what you will be studying?
I am headed to Rome beginning this September, and I am SO excited! I will attend the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, also known as the Angelicum, where I will participate in a diploma program in Spirituality. During my senior year at Creighton, I took a course by Fr. Larry Gillick, SJ, and Fr. Greg Carlson, SJ, on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits. Through that class I fell in love with spirituality, and after completing my first year as a fourth-grade teacher this past year, I am excited to embrace this new journey overseas!
