Chloe Carter

Autobiography

I cannot think of a time in my life where I have not wanted to be a teacher. This desire

was cultivated through babysitting, teaching Sunday school, leading special needs classes, and

facilitating special needs events in my hometown. “You will never make it through school,” was

a sentence spoken to me by my middle school teacher that cinched my decision to become an

educator. It is strange to think that a negative quote would have inspired me to teach. I have

struggled with a learning disability my whole life, and there is nothing worse than knowing your

own teacher does not believe in you. As a future teacher, my goal is to build respectful

relationships for all students, support and encourage successful learning, and honor and

respond to differences.

When I think of a teacher, I instantly think of someone who is there to help and support

their students. Teachers are supposed to shape students into young adults, but my teacher did

the opposite. Due to my learning disability, I was often further behind more than the average

kid. I was in the “labs” at school for both English and Math. These classes were designed to help

the “slower” students. I dreaded going to school because I began to believe the words “I wasn’t

good enough.” It was not until my freshman year of high school that a teacher told me I was

good enough. This teacher worked extremely hard with me to bring out my full potential. One

of the reasons I want to become a teacher is because I do not want any student to ever feel the

way I did.

Throughout my life I have been blessed with opportunities and experiences that have

shaped me into the individual I am today. I have always enjoyed teaching children; they are all
so different and interesting. Working with children who have disabilities is something that I

have found I have a passion for. I have plenty of experience; throughout high school, I was a

part of the Best Buddy program, a group that supported special needs community. I have

volunteered countless hours to work with the special needs children. It has been a huge part of

my life and it is something I am very passionate about. I volunteered with a community

organization called The Miracle League. The Miracle League is a place where special needs and

handicapped kids and adults play noncompetitive sports. Miracle League was one of the best

experiences that I have been able to be a part of. To see the look on the kids’ faces when they

ran around the bases and scored home run was priceless. They were all filled with joy, and to

witness the impact that the game of baseball can have on these children was amazing. Working

with these kids and adults helped me develop many beneficial qualities, but most importantly,

it has taught me how to have patience.

My parents never failed to support me in my role as a future educator. I grew up

wanting to be successful like my parents and I knew that might not happen if I became a

teacher. I had many doubts until I began working with a little boy named Henry. Henry had

Down Syndrome and I would meet him twice a week for swim lessons. This task of teaching

Henry how to swim never felt like work. I looked forward to the days where I would see him. He

brought so much happiness in my life and always found a way to brighten my day. I will never

forget the smile on his face the day he learned how to swim by himself. I remember Henry told

me, “Thank you for believing in me when no one else did.” The day Henry spoke those words to

me was the day I knew I wanted me to become a future teacher.