As a college freshman, having still not chosen a major, I knew I wanted to do something both impressive and demanding. Despite frequent urges during my high school years from family members to become a teacher, and possibly due to my naivety, education was the first degree concentration eliminated. For a career to be impressive it should be glamorous and unpredictable- neither of which I believed could describe an educator. Thus, after delving into numerous options, I chose to major in business, which would open the door to endless possibilities.
Over the past four years at Mississippi State University, my studies in business have been the focus of my interest, but not of my passion. Concentrations in finance and insurance have offered rather lackluster insights into my future. The potential to make competitive decisions and ample amounts of money seemed very lacking and uninspiring. Through some contemplation and debate, and after becoming a leader on campus, I made the decision to become a teacher. While in business I may be able to change my life, in education, I can change the lives of others.
I grew up as the granddaughter to one of my hometown’s most esteemed English teachers. As such, and much to the delight of my grandfather, I always spoke noticeably more grammatically correct than my friends. I also learned the refined art of clarifying thoughts and ideas through words. I developed a talent for understanding others, identifying unspoken concerns, and explaining problems in a simple way. Granddaddy always told me I would be a wonderful teacher in any subject I had an interest in.
My first real opportunity to exercise my “teaching” skills came in August of 2009. Selected to be a Gamma Chi, I was in charge of twenty entering freshmen girls who were going through sorority recruitment. I was to be their leader, confidant, and guide through a very emotional, confusing process. Each morning I explained how the day would develop, addressing more serious issues as the week went on, and then waited to be bombarded with trivial questions. Of course not every girl is especially vocal, so it was not uncommon to be pulled aside for a “what if I don’t get what I want?” or a “what if I can’t afford it?” query. I formed a fast, close relationship with this group, and by the end of the week I wanted nothing more than for each of them to be happy.
On Saturday, nineteen of the twenty girls pledged a sorority of their choosing. Rachel, the only girl who did not pledge, thanked me for encouraging her to continue through the process, as she had made many new friends. My experience as a Gamma Chi was deeply rewarding on a level I had not expected. I surprised myself just how quickly I formed an invested interest in each of these girls. It was then that I began to consider a career where I could do this every day.
Later that semester, I was selected to work with the Department of Admissions and Scholarships as an Orientation Leader, and in late April, I participated in my first orientation. As twenty-five eager high school seniors filed into my presentation room, they looked at me with both hope and apprehension. It was my job to ease their worries, to familiarize them with the university, and to equip them with the information essential to success in their first year. I felt a certain comfort with this responsibility, and was confidently equipped with the answers they needed. Throughout the day, I bonded with these young students who, though only a few years younger than I, looked to me as a distinguished mentor. Today, I still receive messages and emails from these students with trusting questions about the workings of campus life. This experience truly awakened my desire to serve and made clear the capabilities which can arise simply by serving others.
After this first orientation, I had no doubt as to the new course of my prospective education, and began researching graduate education programs. I had peace of mind as I had finally realized my career aspiration to teach. To say I was excited to declare my decision to my family during my next trip home would be an understatement. I knew they all, especially my grandfather, would be happy to hear the news.
About two weeks later, I received the unbearable news from my mother- Granddaddy had suffered a hemorrhage in his brain from which he would never recover. The next day I stood in hospital room 505 under my father’s arm and watched as the doctor unplugged my grandfather’s life support machine. As I mourned the sudden loss of such a great man, friend, and role model, I couldn’t help but grieve for the unspoken conversation about my future. Of all the life moments he would now miss, I lamented that he would never see me follow in his footsteps as an educator.
I did not grow up with a dream to teach. Nor did I focus my undergraduate studies on such. However, through eye-opening leadership experiences, and with the guidance of a loved one, I finally realized my passion for teaching others. In the Mississippi State University graduate school, I hope to receive my Masters of Arts in Teaching- Secondary. As a teacher, I hope to convey not only important subject matter, but life lessons that will stay with students long after class. Though I can only hope to leave an honored, long-lasting legacy like that of my grandfather, for his sake, and for the sake of my future students, I will try.
No comments:
Post a Comment