Thoughts on Becoming a Teacher

As I grew older, I became overwhelmed with the question, "What will you be when you're older?" How am I suppose to know what I am going to be if I don't even know what I want for breakfast or what way I want to wear my hair for the day. This was a stumping question until my Junior year of High School. I had the opportunity to explore the options in my future career paths. I spent three weeks in the special education room at the local elementary school, six weeks in a second grade classroom and nine weeks in Mr. Hamel's Freshman English class. I knew I wanted to pursue something with helping children, I just couldn't figure out what age group.

After working with second graders, I felt that they were too needy. They needed help tying shoes and blowing noses. It was great to see them expand and grow, but I longed to be a friend instead of a guardian. In the special Education room I again had the same feelings. I felt bad because they could not do everyday tasks, although I was overjoyed about how excited they became when they learned how to do something new. I realized most of all that I do not have the patience for these children on an everyday basis. It was Mr. Hamel's Freshman English class that inspired me to be an High School English teacher. He taught the children that they must write with their hearts.

He taught my class that same thing. I saw the passion in these kids and realized I wanted to be the light in somebody's life, I wanted to be the missing piece to puzzle, I wanted to make a difference. So from that point on I told people I want to be a teacher, I want to inspire children and change lives. Most of all I want to help people find themselves. I think it would be great helping people. Because as you help someone in change you are really helping yourself.

It really irked me when other's response to my dream was "Some people can do and those who can't teach." Teachers are the one's who inspire the doers. They are high above and respectful therefore I also think they should be paid more because they lead their students down the path of life, they explain challenges and help configure choices. I want to be that person. I want to help!