Class of 2026: Carter Bucci

Elementary Education major Carter Bucci made discoveries at McDaniel that will last a lifetime — from realizing that he belongs in the classroom during student teaching to finding his “forever brothers” on the football team. A rough adjustment during his first year pushed him to “flip the script” and work toward his goals with a positive mindset — a lesson that he hopes to pass on not only as an elementary teacher but also as a mentor for future Education majors.

A male student wearing a football jersey smiles and holds a football.

If you think to yourself that you are not happy and do not want to do something, you probably aren’t going to be happy. But if you use positive self-talk and think to yourself that you can do it, you will do it.

Carter Bucci '26

In his own words

When I took my first step on the Hill, I was:: A nervous but excited freshman who was ready for a new challenge and hopeful to find where I fit in both academically and athletically.
The me who will ring the Old Main bell on Commencement Day is:: More confident, experienced, and prepared to step into the classroom as a teacher. McDaniel has helped me grow not only academically but also as a leader, teammate, and role model for younger students.
Real-world experiences:: Through the Elementary Education program, I completed several field placements and a full student-teaching experience in local elementary school classrooms. My favorite experience was student teaching because it allowed me to take full responsibility for planning lessons, building relationships with students, and seeing the impact of my teaching each day. During these placements, I also worked with teachers who were McDaniel alumni, which showed me how strong the Education network from the college really is.
My aha moment:: The moment that I realized that I truly belong in the classroom. The moment I saw students connect and engage with a lesson I taught and grow in their confidence, I knew teaching was exactly what I’m meant to do.

Footprints I’m leaving on the Hill:: I hope to be remembered as someone who worked hard, supported my teammates and classmates, and represented McDaniel with pride both in the classroom and on the athletic field.
Faculty or staff member who most influenced who I have become:: The professor who had the most influence on me was Dr. Becca Gibson. She has been my advisor since freshman year, and she has always been there for me. In her classes, I have always felt supported, valued, and respected in her instruction. She has always been there to help me figure out what the future might hold for me. She has always pushed me to be the best teacher, student, classmate, and teammate.
Best class ever:: The best class I have ever taken was Teaching Elementary Math with Dr. Laura Bitto ’04. This class truly prepared me for teaching math in an elementary setting. Dr. Bitto is another professor that has had a major impact on my college career.

A male student wearing a football jersey sits and holds a football.

Tell us a little about your activities, including sports, during your years at McDaniel:: I was a part of the McDaniel football team. I also served as one of the representatives for the team on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for three years, and I was named vice president of SAAC my senior year.
Took me totally by surprise:: When I first walked onto campus my freshman year, I had no idea that I would find my forever brothers. My fellow teammates on the football team made my transition into college way smoother than I could have ever imagined. They made McDaniel feel like a home away from home.
My favorite spot on campus:: The hill by Gill Stadium is my favorite spot because it’s where so many campus traditions and memories happen. It’s a place that represents the McDaniel community and the experiences we share as students as well as student-athletes.
Most mind-boggling idea I learned at McDaniel:: How much your mindset can really change who you are. My freshman year was a struggle for me. I missed home. I wasn’t getting on the football field as much as I wanted. But someone told me that I needed to “flip the script.” If you think to yourself that you are not happy and do not want to do something, you probably aren’t going to be happy. But if you use positive self-talk and think to yourself that you can do it, you will do it.
What's next:: After graduation, I plan on beginning my career as an elementary school teacher and continuing to work on my master’s in Special Education.
How will you stay connected to McDaniel?: I will stay connected to McDaniel through the lifelong friendships that I have gained over the last four years. I also hope to stay connected by supporting McDaniel athletics, keeping in touch with professors and classmates, and possibly mentoring future education students.
If you received financial aid, what did that mean for you and your family?: The scholarships and financial aid that I received meant to the world to my family and me. I am the son of two teachers, so I was eligible for the Educators Legacy Scholarship. This financial aid created the opportunity for me to attend McDaniel College.

Carter is a professional, dedicated student. Being a male football student is a unique profile for our Elementary Education majors, especially being that he currently is a substitute for a first grade classroom. He has a dynamic mix of strength and gentleness that cultivates respect and safety in the elementary students.

Laura Bitto ’04, Assistant Professor of Education

Class of 2026: Carter Bucci

In his own words

About Carter