Ever since I was little, I have loved teaching. I would pretend to be a teacher any chance I could get. I would even explain something very simple like a math problem that my older sister already knew how to do. I enjoyed helping others in a leadership role and it was nice knowing that someone was listening (sometimes). My love for teaching was so strong that my dad built a dry erase board in our dining room just for me. I wrote everything on that board and I taught many things to my older siblings and the imaginary children in my dining room.

Growing up, I, of course, had many educators.

In elementary school, I remember some instances where my teacher didn’t do what I believe now, as an adult, was the best decision.

Now that I’m older, I can speak for myself and I know right from wrong. When you’re a child and at school, you feel afraid to speak up because you’re still learning and you feel that your voice doesn’t matter. Reflecting on my experiences made me realize that I want to be someone who is there for kids and who also impacts them in a positive way.

Last school year, I had the opportunity to tutor kids at an elementary school. I went after school for two hours on Tuesdays-Thursdays. It was such a cool experience because I had developed connections with all the kids and I went home thinking about how I could help them learn better. One girl in particular struggled more than the rest of the kids so I worked with her most. I tried to find ways that worked the best for her to learn and I always felt so proud when she remembered something. When their program was ending, we had a party and I brought them cupcakes. They all had signed a card for me and it was the sweetest thing ever. I will never forget them and I hope to have made an impact on all of them, even if small. The way I cared so much for them helped assure what I want to go to school for.

I look forward to student-teaching in college where I can get more experience in a classroom setting.

I know that being a teacher won’t be easy and there are many challenges that come with it. However, I am determined to put in the work so that I can be “that one teacher”, one that not only teaches well but one who creates a safe space for their students.