This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Living the DREAM
When I was a teenager I often wondered why ANYONE would want to be a teacher. During many events in my post high school career I reflected on who had the most impact on my life outside of my family. It always turned to a group of people and included in this group was my teachers who made me feel special.
My last duty station/ assignment in the NAVY was as a instructor at NATTC Pensacola Florida, I realized then how much responsibility a teacher/ instructor holds daily. My legacy was to mold the future military members and to influence the future.That was the moment I fell in love with teaching.
On Friday my first grade teacher was visiting the high school, she is now retired from teaching but still stays involved with students. I stopped and talked to her for a minute, it didn't take long for us to be surrounded by her former students. As I listened to the stories and people sharing memories I realized that individually I was not special to her, but that I joined a group that was very special to her, her students. When I retired from the NAVY she saw me in town and told me I needed to become a teacher, I told her my dream was to teach CTAE and specifically Transportation (automotive) I did not want to let her down but I knew I would be retired again before the automotive teacher left. Within two years the automotive teacher became very ill and retired.The rest is history.
Tonight when I went to Ingle's I was stopped by several former students and a former student's Mom, each one wanted to share with me what was going on in their life. Somehow they felt accountable to me, I don't really understand that,but it is very humbling.
I am still amazed at how much impact that my teachers had on me and will never forget how we mold the future daily.
I understand what you are saying. Personally, I hated school and certainly did not want to be a teacher. I have also reflected on many teachers, and there is one that stands out from the many, many others. She encouraged, pushed, taught, and presented the path, she believed I should follow. Mrs. Johnson was my cosmetology instructor, who had the idea I should attend UGA, pursue my degree and become a cosmetology instructor. My parents encouraged me to follow this path, but my answer was “I just want to be a hairstylist”.
ReplyDeleteAfter years, working as a hairstylist along with working in the county school system, my real dream came into existence. I dreamed of becoming a cosmetology instructor; imagine that, it was a difficult decision, since I had three sons, husband and bills. I decided this was an extremely important decision. This was my destiny. Back to school, and I am still learning! I now teach cosmetology in a public high school and I pray daily I am making a difference in my students. I started my dream approximately one and a half years ago. I have been blessed to have students from my first year to return to school and they expressed appreciation for my encouragement. I am in the place that God intended me to be; and I am living my dream.
Thanks Michelle.
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