Education is always changing, and these changes impact students. Some of the changes I have personally experienced in my educational journey are increased use of google classroom and online schoolwork platforms and the health precautions taken during Covid.
I have enjoyed going to school since I was young. As an elementary school student, I admired my teachers and their ability to create fun activities for their students while retaining control. I have memories of learning about the weather, playing math games, classroom expectations, Christmas song challenges, practicing cursive, chocolate fountain parties, learning about alphabetical order, eating popsicles on the playground, and so much more. I was blessed with the teachers and school community I was a part of, and I hope to offer similar joyful experiences to my future students.
In middle school, I had several teachers who were new to their positions. I learned about different teaching styles and personal teaching preferences. I explored socially, as classmates I had known for years transferred schools and I built bonds with new students. Covid arrived during my sixth grade year, and I became familiar with google classroom, zoom meetings, and more typing and digital assignments. I was homeschooled from sixth to eighth grade, and during this period I received important instruction in grammar, math, and religion particularly. I discovered more about myself and my values. I also learned how important it is for me to be social.
Teaching is a career that will allow me to put my social skills and love of people and children to full use. I will learn from experienced teachers, regularly interact with colleagues and parents, and impact and socialize with my students every day. I am excited to meet new students and coworkers every year.
In high school, I entered a new environment with different people, expectations, scheduling, and opportunities. I adjusted to this, finding friends who were actively involved in some of my clubs and sports, academically driven, and kind. I navigated college coursework and was a three-sport athlete my junior and senior year. Midway through my senior year, I was named valedictorian of my class. This accomplishment was exciting and fulfilling. I had worked hard to achieve it, and it made me happy and proud. However, what I value most from my high school experience is the variety of activities I was able to participate in and the friendships and connections I formed.
Now that I am beginning college, I have resources available that assist me in my journey to becoming an energetic and effective educator. I work at the childcare center, have professors who are preparing me for a fulfilling, successful career, and I am a part of Teachers for Tomorrow. In addition, I have classmates who are also preparing to be teachers that I can collaborate and learn with.
I am grateful for these resources, the combination of my past and present experiences learning and teaching, and my education. The support of my family, friends, and teachers, my faith, and my goals will strengthen and guide me along the way. The best is yet to come!