In order to describe one of my most influential teachers to you, I’ll need to give you little bit of back story on how I ended up in the elementary education program. I began my post secondary journey in the Kinesiology diploma program offered at CNC. My initial career goal was to become a physiotherapist. Towards the end of my program and after a few practicums, I realized it was not for me. Luckily, during this program I took some English elective courses with a lovely lady who sparked my interest in reading and writing. I jumped the gun and transferred to UNBC as an English major without a clear idea what the outcome of my Bachelor of Arts would be. Perhaps I would write novels, become an editor, or live the rest of my life as a dying poet. However, my future took a turn for the best when I took Intro to Education 101 and 102 on a whim with Mrs. Y at UNBC (not her real name for privacy purposes). Taking these courses ignited my passion towards becoming an elementary educator. I have always enjoyed working with young children and have coached U6 and U8 soccer in my hometown for several years. I was unable to make the connection that working with children could become my career until I met Mrs. Y. I deeply appreciated how transparent Mrs. Y was and her approach towards teaching children within the BC curriculum. I had never felt so excited to learn about the influence, expectations and requirements of a teacher. I understood right then and there that this was where I was meant to be and what I was put on this earth to do. I recognize that sounds incredibly corny, but the ‘aha’ moment was surreal. I wanted to teach, and Mrs. Y helped spark my fire.
I have always been a very sensitive, caring and giving person. People have often told me that being sensitive is a weakness; however, I now see it as one of my greatest strengths. I have always been a giver and thoroughly enjoy taking care of others. Helping comes natural to me, and as an educator, I can help children achieve almost anything they desire. There is nothing more magical than that. When I look into the eyes of a young child, I want nothing more than to provide them with what they need to become the best versions of themselves. Nothing will fulfill me more than becoming an educator and watching my students grow and succeed into amazing humans. My teaching metaphor is best represented by sunflowers. Sunflowers require nourished soil, water, and sunlight to grow; whereas, children require feeling grounded, supported, encouraged and loved in order to succeed. Plus- a little sunshine never hurt anybody. I want to support the growth and development of children in order to prepare them for the world. Children are beautiful, creative yellow sunflowers who bring endless joy and I am truly blessed to be a part of their journey. Whatever that may look like, I intend to make it a happy and memorable one.
Like wildflowers, you must allow yourself to grow in all the places people thought you never would. -unknown
Brad Kempster
Hannah, I read your first month post.
I identified strongly with, “learning to be vulnerable with ourselves and with our students.” I think that teachers who are not comfortable being their weird quirky self, lose credibility. And no mistaking, we are all strange in our own way; normal is a setting on a washer. I feel students, just like most other humans, are always afraid of being the first to make a fool of themselves. Which we all do of course, at least by way of our inner monologue.
The fear of denial is so strong in todays world. With globalization pervading every aspect of our life, it is almost like we are always on display. Transference from misinterpreted social media or text messages with or without an emoji can be devastating to youth still learning to self regulate difficult emotions. After all, we all want to find unconditional acceptance.
It is encouraging we know as adults using positive coping mechanisms to help self regulate can catalyze major adjustments in our life. I really do think change in our individual lives creates opportunities to build character. Perhaps even the chance we may enrich just one more student’s existence or just one more person on the street. Truthfully, emotions drive us to all the hidden places in our hearts.
My wish is to elucidate grades as the unnecessary and sometimes arbitrary numbers measuring our youths’ worth.