1 Paul

Kelly Paul

Michelle Reiff

EDUC&202

09 - 27 - 2022

Why Teach

Throughout my schooling years, I have had many teachers that have mentored and

inspired me. Whether it was music, extra activities, or academics, each of my teachers had a

huge impact, and planted a desire in me, to become like them one day.

Mrs. Thomas was a preschool teacher, whom I had the opportunity to work for, during

school holidays. For four consecutive years, I worked as a ‘’Fun Club Leader” for a structured

holiday club, which ran for a week at a time. On these day camps, I would assist in doing

organized activities from arts, crafts, games, challenges, etc. Meeting the need of children, ages

between two and eleven. This allowed me to get a glimpse into spending quality with multiple

different age groups. Mrs. Thomas was so kind, she had a way of comforting a crying child in

mere minutes. She was approachable, and relatable, always making each individual child feel

accepted, special, and loved. Every day of the camp was filled with fun, laughter, and learning.

Us as leaders were given opportunities to be creative and plan skits, stories, and lead out in songs

and chants. This experience kindled in me the desire to pursue, and devote my energies to the

noble and a wonderful career as a teacher. After this experience, I got involved in doing Vacation

Bible School (VBS) for children in the villages and orphanages in Africa. Working alongside

teachers, and other volunteers we created programs where we could present crafts and games,

and mini-lessons on health, and hygiene. This program was a bright light and brought hope. The
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joy, that we as a team were able to bring to children, and their excitement and sweet curiosity

was just another building block to my decision to pursue education.

In the year 2020 I worked as an assistant teacher at a private school, in a second-grade class.

My mentor’s name was Mrs. Asherwood, during my time there I was involved in helping with

reading, math, and organizing crafts.

For me, this was one of the first formal school settings I had been engaged in, I was able learn

what a school schedule is like, helped with sports and cheering events and spent time at recess

watching and being involved with children at play. Mrs. Asherwood took time to build personal

relationships with each student, giving them achievable goals and establishing good school

culture. The children thrived under her kind leadership while being encouraged and guided

through challenges and new concepts.

First, one of my main motivations for becoming a teacher. Is to be involved in shaping,

and developing children’s minds, and characters. So that students can take on life with a good

foundation, positive feedback, and a strong support system. To not only implant knowledge for

learning, understanding, and applying information. But navigating and having a higher chance

of success in life. This is my hope not only for my students but hopefully for my own children

one day.

Secondly, my love for children makes me want to be present with them. Being

surrounded by the love and affection of young minds that are eager to learn and please.

Receiving notes and verbal appreciation like ‘’I love you teacher’’ are just simple reasons that

draw me to this profession. Another aspect would be the joy I would receive from celebrating

the milestones and getting to witness students’ breakthroughs and comprehensions. Hearing the

little anecdotes, stories and funny theories children come up with, are like bright lights of hope
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between the challenges and hardships you will face in teaching. Every day with children is a

new, and fresh adventure.

Lastly, having a background living as a third culture kid has afforded me many unique learning

opportunities. For example, being flexible, adaptable, and creative has helped me navigate

and be comfortable in different situations. As a teacher, these qualities are important and

useful when dealing and interacting with students, fellow teachers, and school staff. These

qualities can also be very useful when creating coursework and activities.

Living in and around 6 different counties has broadened my worldview and has helped me

practically live and interact with different cultures and people groups. Patience, endurance, and

self-discipline are traits and strengths that good teachers possess and develop throughout their

careers. Good teachers are understanding relatable, and reliable. They create safe classes where

students feel comfortable and are allowed to express themselves in their own unique ways.

In conclusion, being a teacher would bring me happiness, grow my character. This career will

enable me to be a small part of developing young people, that will be the next generation of

leaders, and responsible citizens.