Murray State University Athletics
Rifle Student-Athlete Mozeleski to Teach in China
5/19/2014 9:58:00 AM | Rifle
Murray State rifle student-athlete Marisca Mozeleski is not afraid to try something new.
She traveled nearly 2,300 miles to join the Racer rifle team as a freshman from Vashon, Washington. In addition to being a student-athlete, Mozeleski also graduated in just three years with a degree in liberal arts. Now, she is traveling to the other side of the world to try something she has never done before – teach.
Beginning in August, Mozeleski will travel to China to teach English at the Quingdao Agricultural University in the Yantai, Shandong province. Though she doesn't have a formal teaching background, Mozeleski mentioned China's need for teachers as a reason for the move.
"At Murray State, I've made a lot of international friends and have enjoyed helping them learn English in conversation and playing games. Because China has such a need for teachers, I thought it would be a great fit. I'll also have the opportunity to take Chinese language and culture classes for free."
Mozeleski has never been to China, but she has done a lot of traveling including studying abroad in Munich, Germany in the summer of 2013. She has also been to South America and other parts of Europe. "I love traveling and learning about different people and cultures," said Mozeleski. "I'm excited to go someplace new and get a fresh experience and dive in without any biases. It'll be an adventure for sure."
This wasn't a decision that she came to all by herself. Her friends and professors were a big help in getting her to this position.
"Professor Weihong Gao in international studies really helped. Once I decided I wanted to teach English abroad, it was easy. I also have a friend on campus that helped to connect me to Quingdao, so China was always my first choice."
She also had some help from her MSU roommate from a year ago, "My roommate last year is currently in China, so I'm looking forward to seeing her again," said Mozeleski.
Her head coach, Alan Lollar, has had the pleasure of watching her the last three years.
"Marisca came here quiet and shy," said Lollar. "It has been enjoyable to watch her mature at Murray State and she is now leaving as a confident young lady. She matured on the range, in the classroom and in life. I know she will lead an exciting and successful life."
Mozeleski has been a part of the Racer rifle team all of her three years on campus. She had high scores of 575 in the smallbore and 579 in the air rifle out of a perfect 600.
At the Quingdao Agricultural University, Mozeleski will teach young adults and adults. She will be there for at least one year.Â
