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Who I am:
Who am I? If you were to ask me that question at any point in time, you'd likely be met with very different answers. Even two or three months ago, perhaps even an hour ago or two hours from now. Time is a tricky thing like that, as are our own perceptions of self, and then of course of the world around us.
But, let's go back to the start, all the way back to the late spring of 2001, when I was born. I was born 6 weeks premature, and struggled as a newborn, but I survived. I grew to become a happy and healthy toddler and young child. The summers were spent at the neighborhood pool; the smell of sunscreen and the sounds of splashes, the ice cold showers to get in and out of the pool, despising when the lifeguard called break, playing 'Shark' or 'Colors' with my brothers and the other neighborhood kids are all memories that have stuck with me and are the earliest I can recollect.
The next memory that stands out the most is when my mom was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic colon cancer, a death sentence. This was when I was in 2nd grade, and thankfully by 5th grade my mom was no longer battling cancer, just struggling to recover from chemotherapy. Then when I was in 5th grade, she was again diagnosed with cancer, but this time stage III aggressive breast, this was also dealt with swiftly. After undergoing a double mastectomy and radiation treatment she was well again. During these hard times, I suffered at school, I was a fat kid and was picked on, I acted out and received poor treatment from students and teachers alike.
At home and at school, I was on a battleground, I felt lost and alone and dark. Who wouldn't? Who couldn't? When I started middle school, the bullying lessened and my teachers were oftentimes more compassionate than my elementary school teachers, and they helped me find more footing and enjoyment in school again. Over time, with the lessons they imparted to me along with the ones from my teachers in high school, I grew to enjoy school and found a passion for teaching and helping others learn.
I want to help other "Little Noahs" to find the hope and light and joy in life through education and their time in school. I think this, despite being long-winded is the best way to accurately describe who I am, at least in regards to what's lead me here, to writing this.
What I Have To Learn
While these pictures have all been pictures of nature I've taken on hikes and rides and runs, they're just things that stood out to me- I know I need to learn more about the perspectives of OTHERS and to consider those differences.
So, despite considering myself caring and sympathetic to others, there is one major problem. I'm limited in my own perspective. The only view I can ever truly have, is my own. I'm sometimes biased because of this, or even don't do certain things. I'm not a big risk taker, and I think getting out of my comfort zone is something I need to do more often, and something which I've had to do a lot with having to take all online classes for the last year.
My friend and I have taken these different pictures and pointed out different things to each other when hiking. It's things like these that show our differences and similarities and open our minds to new experiences, and serve as a way for me to broaden my own perspectives.
The Teacher I Will Become
In the video I read the poem, and talk about some of the specifics about me and what I meant with certain things.The big takeaways:
I would consider myself a perennialist, although I do think that involving students is super important and I love classroom discussions!
I want students to work with one another and think about things critically and for themselves, and help bring out the best in themselves and their peers.
As a teacher, I'm many things for my students: a person to talk to when in need, a guide, and gardener, and so much more. I used several different metaphors to express that idea.
As a teacher we are more than just a teacher, and as a student, we are more than just a student.
What I know:
I love nature and hiking as well as cycling and running!
Outside of my hobbies I know that I have a passion for education and assistance which drives me and motivates me to pursue my education.
I also know that I’m a very caring and compassionate person.
This is something that I think will help me when teaching.
I think my personal experiences in life, like my mom's illnesses and negative experiences in school have helped make me a caring and compassionate person.
I’ll be able to better empathize with my students who may be going through similar experiences.
I think compassion and care for students is an extremely important feature of a good teacher.
Part of my perspectives and high value on compassion and love for one another comes from my faith.
I’m a cradle Catholic, but I’ve also
struggled with my faith many times before.
My struggles in my faith, and resolution in it, will help me as a teacher as I’ll again be able to see students who struggle with their thoughts.
Being able to tell when students are struggling, be it with home issues, social issues, or even personal ones, is key.
I want to help students, and express my love for them, and everyone else, by helping them.
I think I can be an advocate for many different people who are struggling through many different things.
I hope I can open others eyes to the struggles and realities of others.
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