Why do I want to be a teacher?

As internship and graduation draw neard, I find myself asking hard questions. Today's questiion is, "Why do I want to be a teacher?"

That is a loaded question. Let’s see how well I can unpack it. I will begin when I first knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I worked in a child development center through high school. I enjoyed the time I spent there and the kids really related to me; however teaching never crossed my mind. I was set on being a physical therapist. I went back to the development center the summer after my sophomore year at Auburn. They were getting ready for the new school year and I got so excited over school supplies. Something so simple, but I truly was excited. I stayed just to help set up the classrooms.

That is where it started, and the idea of freshly sharpened pencils still makes my heart race a little. Maybe I am being dramatic, but I love school and everything about it. I can also remember a specific day when I thought, “Hey. I could be good at this.” I was sitting with my class of three year olds. They had little chalkboards they were scribbling on. One asked me how to write his name, so I showed him. Step by step, I showed him how to make each letter. Eventually, he did it all on his own. I was so proud of him! And I would be lying if I said I wasn’t proud of myself too. I was thrilled that I was able to teach him something.

As a teacher, that is what I get to do. I get to teach children the information they need to succeed in school, and not only school but life as well. That is huge! I think it will take a lot of patience, and I am certain it will even by trying at times. But I know that it will be worth it. Freshly sharpened pencils and molding young minds is just icing on the cake for me though. My motive for pursuing this degree is so I can use it in Africa.

In the bigger picture of what I want to do, I want to teach orphans in Africa. I do not say this lightly or to impress people. I mean it sincerely. I spent a few weeks in Tanzania, and the little orphans changed my view on life completely. I would love to go and teach them and make an impact in their lives for good. Be more than a teacher, but possibly even a mother figure; someone to care for them and teach them about life. I want to encourage them to move on from where they are, and do bigger and better things. Which I know teacher’s become that a lot anyway. I thought, what a better way to equip myself than to learn methods of teaching that have been well tried. It is a heavy load to take on, but that is what I truly want to do and why I want to teach. To make a difference even if it is just one child at a time.

Africa Painting image found at: http://www.jeron.je/stARTing_points/new%20art%20pages/ks2/Organised%20images/KS2/Painting/p5/4%20African%20Painting%203%20-%20Y5%20copy.jpg