When I first went to college, I simply had the thought that I would go into the business field. I wanted to work in hospitality and in the field of doing something to make people happy. I figured hotel management would be a great field for me.
I went through college and worked hard to succeed. I started classes early in the morning and went late into the night…typically 8:30am until 9:30pm. Obviously those hours included several significant breaks, but it still was a long day. I enjoyed the long days. I enjoyed learning. I enjoyed being with others that wanted to learn! I also had the major desire to earn money.
When I completed my Bachelor of Business Administration, I was unsure of what I wanted. I was lost, but now I also feel that entering the business world was not what God wanted from me. I took a risk and asked to take part in the Young Alumni Volunteer Program at St. Ignatius High School. I took a risk and it led me to something I now know I need to be a part of.
During my time in the Young Alumni Volunteer Program I worked with a variety of ages. I worked with young children from the neighborhood; I worked with elementary to middle school students in a nearby school; I was able to help form the faith lives of high school students through going on retreats. I also learned that the four walls of an office would not be the right place for me. So, I went back to school.
I went back to school to begin my journey into the world of education. I didn’t want to be trapped by the four walls of an office, but rather help the minds of children to break down the walls of a classroom and see the world that lies in front of them. I became a teacher.
When I entered college my days were long…and they still are. I wanted to be around learning…and I still am. I wanted to be around those who want to learn…and I still am. Education just feels right to me!
The world of education has allowed me to grow. I’ve grown in my own skills, developed new skills, became stronger (mentally, emotionally, and spiritually), I’ve seen my students grow, I’ve seen them struggle, and they’ve seen me struggle as well. I have developed friendships. I’ve been there for my students and they’ve been there for me.
Education has built me up to be a beacon for my students. I’m not always the most organized, but I know where my heart lies…and that’s with my students.
Some people are made for the business world. Some people know how to do great things by working in an office or building great pieces of machinery! Yet, there are some people that can do something that may not seem significant, but it means the world to them…and those people are teachers!
That’s what I want to do. I want to something that may not mean like much, but means so much to someone else. I want to watch a student break down that wall and see that world that lies ahead of them. I want them to discover and take a risk and learn where they need to be. I want to be their teacher…and always remember that they are teaching me as well! That’s why I became an educator.
Cottos Corner for Education 