My communication with Misti began with dance technique classes, Texas State WellnessDance research study, and yoga training. Misti is a very serving mentor and educator. I have always felt safe to contact Misti beyond the classroom for more answers.  As a student, it is refreshing to indulge in the knowledge and progressive material she has to share. As a student teacher, I strive to be as intuitive, creative, energetic, and motivating in my instruction as Misti.

I believe Misti has taught me — as a close mentor — more about myself as a teacher than any professor I have had or been close to in the dance department. She not only knows the balance between encouragement and constructive criticism, but is well-informed on whatever topic she might be teaching that day. She has taught me qualities like patience, being understanding, and effective leadership. And all of this she teaches me, more than anything, by setting the example.

My personal experience of having Misti as my teacher/mentor has been great. I learned more than just the class material, additionally I was able to gain trust in myself as well as guidance in perfecting my craft. She is patient, caring, and obtains a kind personality. I value her classroom management skills and teaching style as a professor. Overall, Misti is much more than a teacher/mentor, to me she is one of the best teachers I ever had.

Having worked with Misti in the Wellness Dance program and having been her student, she has taught me a tremendous amount about dance and teaching. She is always able to teach me things in creative and unique ways that make complex ideas and movements understandable. I admire that Misti always gives her all to her students and works with them individually by giving them personalized goals that suit their needs. What I have learned most from her is how to be a successful teacher who makes dance accessible to everyone.

 Dance and yoga practices alike are often very emotionally driven. As someone who normally would never reveal vulnerabilities, Misti provided such a compassionate and genuine environment that I was able to tap into areas of growth emotionally and through the art that I never had before. She is very intentional to make all of her students feel that same level of safety and encouragement. Additionally, Professor Galvan makes her intentional allyship and advocacy for social justice known to all students. Practicing what she preaches, and again cultivating a supportive student-centered environment is at the heart of her pedagogical method. It is professors such as Misti Galvan that have inspired me to not only pursue a career in higher education, but to also prioritize the philosophies of empathy, community, and lifting each individual for what they bring to the table. I hope to make half the positive impact on my future students that Professor Galvan has made on me.