Education

I am 25 years old, working as a learning support teacher in a high school, and taking classes toward my Master's. I have always been interested in learning new and exciting things. My recent endeavor will provide me with the skills and knowledge to teach online. I was always told as a child that it is important to take advantage of the many opportunities available and to follow my dreams. Well, I grew up with a passion to teach others and look where I am now. I also decided that I would never teach in the special education realm due to the amount of paperwork or in a high school due to my experience as a student. So how did I end up working as a learning support teacher in a high school?

Well, one of my requirements for my education degree was to take a course called Introduction to Special Education. I was very nervous about this course and just figured I would atleast get through it with a B no matter what it was like. But after my first class with my amazing professor, who is no longer with us, I was hooked. A new passion grew for me through the weeks I was in this course and before I knew it, I had changed my degree focus. I was following my new found passion and taking the opportunity before me.

After I had received my degree, I started my job search. I focused on positions in education that were related to special education and regular education on the elementary level. However, nothing I applied for brought me a job. I was working at a fast food restaraunt at the time and worrying about how I would be able to pay my students loans when they were no longer deferred. I continued to apply for positions and soon a school called me for an interview. I was so excited until the woman told me that the elementary position I applied for was filled and that the interview would be for a position in their high school. All night before the interview I worried about whether or not I should even consider the position. But in the back of my mind was my parents telling me to take every opportunity I am offered. So I went to this interview as confident as I could be and I received a phone call that night to tell me I got the job if I wanted it. I accepted the offer and I am enjoying what I do everyday. Granted there are days that are tough but when I see a student get an "A-HA" moment or see their self-esteem rise I know that it is all worth it.

So I would like to dedicate this post to my parents for helping me realize the importance of education and pushing me to accept opportunities. I would also like to dedicate this to Professor K. who really helped me recognize my passion and encouraged me to run with it. To all of those wonderful teachers I had as a student and continue to have and to all of my colleagues and wonderful teachers around the world that help students reach for their dreams, thank you.