The story that has led me to be an educator travels around the world and begins a few years ago. I can not complain about the many experiences that I have had and the numerous people I have had the opportunity to meet. Personally, I feel that I have had a very rewarding career as a student. I share with you in the paragraphs that follow some of the history that has led me to become the person known today as Derek Michael Krallman. 

    I graduated from Hastings High School in 2003 with a around 225 other students. During my education at Hastings High School I had decided that teaching was the best career for me. I had a very powerful experience that had led me to believe that I could change the lives of other students that I encounter. I graduated knowing that I wanted to teach, but had not decided exactly what. 

    I entered Western Michigan University in the fall of 2003 as a declared English major and history minor in the college of education. However, that would soon change. I had a very dynamic roommate my freshman year. In many ways he is one my heroes. His enthusiasm led me to want to do my part in helping the world. I decided to do some sort of work that would help others, perhaps the Peace Corp. At this same time I was making a very diverse group of friends. I soon learned that I had a great passion for languages. By my second semester I had decided to drop my history minor for a major in Spanish, perhaps in hopes of traveling as well as helping others. 

    During my sophomore year I had the chance to visit Japan for one month. It was my first out-of-the-country experience, besides Canada. I loved the new culture and language. My interest in other cultures grew even stronger after my visit. 

    I continued to study Spanish at WMU during the following years, which culminated in an eight month stay in Mexico. My experience in Mexico changed my life in many aspects. Not only did I have a much firmer grasp on Spanish as a language, but I also was able to deeply dive into a culture that is very much outside my own. I greatly enjoyed my time in Mexico. 

    I continue to study at Western Michigan University with hopes of graduating in April of 2008.