Why the library?
The smell of paper, old and new, mixes with the aroma of leather bindings, glue, and dust. The atmosphere is peaceful, quiet, and calm, a true sanctuary in a world of hectic noise and stressful chaos. There are entire worlds contained on these shelves, just waiting to capture me and share their secrets. To some people, a library is a dungeon, a place where they are forced to carry out menial research, a place to cram for an exam, a last resort for entertainment. For me, a library is a haven, somewhere I always feel at home and at ease, and the storehouse for the books that sustain my appetite for knowledge and excitement.
That is the first paragraph from my application essay to Valdosta State University's Library and Information Science program. I included it here because it is as true today as it was two and half years ago when I wrote it. The library has always been a special place to me. For much of my school years, the school library was a second home, and indeed there were days that I think I spent more time there than in class. To this day, if I can choose between reading a book or pretty much any other activity, I'll choose the book.
I first considered teaching as a career when my English 1101 teacher recommended me to tutor in our college's student learning center. I had never considered myself educator material before. After just one semester of tutoring, I decided I enjoyed sharing knowledge and witnessing that "light bulb" moment, when a concept finally makes sense to someone.
My first year of teaching was not quite what I expected, and I was a bit overwhelmed, as most first year teachers are. I again found myself spending much of my free time in the media center, and I began to consider that as a potential career option. However, a media specialist I knew at the time discouraged me from that career, saying I would have difficulty finding a job because of my age and lack of experience.
I continued teaching, and I continued to wish for a job that would allow me more time to discuss literature with my students. At my next school, I again found myself spending my free time in the media center, discussing books with the media specialist and the students passing through. In the fall of 2009, I decided to disregard the advice I'd previously been given about a career in the media center and applied to Valdosta's Library and Information Science program.
As I progressed through the program, I knew I had made the right choice. I have loved the time I spent in the media center preparing for my degree and future career. I love the opportunity to share my knowledge and my love of books with the students. I also love the opportunity to collaborate with teachers to introduce them to resources they currently do not use or are not comfortable using. And I love that all of my day will be spent ensuring that students apply their classroom knowledge to reading and writing, and encouraging students to become lifelong readers.
Personal Information
I began teaching when I was only 23 years old. Teaching sophomores and juniors who were only 6 years or less my junior was a challenging experience! When I shifted to eighth grade the next year, I was surprised to find that I enjoyed that age group as well, and my age wasn't such a hindrance. Since 2005, I have taught 7th grade English Language Arts, 8th grade English Language Arts, 9th grade Literature and Composition, 10th grade Literature and Composition, and 11th Grade American Literature.
In July of 2012, I graduated with my Master's of Library and Information Science from Valdosta State University. I have been certified as a media specialist since the end of July 2012.
I am married to a wonderful man who has been my biggest support throughout my pursuit of my education. We have an eleven year old son, a cat, and a ball python that keep us entertained and busy at home.
In my spare time (when I have any), I love to read and write. I have several partial novels and short stories that are waiting patiently for me to come back to them. Perhaps one day I will have the opportunity, and my own books will be some of the ones I recommend to my students. Until then, I'll just keep enjoying and recommending all the books I can so that others appreciate literature as I do.