"I don't know where I'm going, but I'll get there on time."

Me at 2 years old, reading to my babies

 

About Me

I am 38 years old and am a Junior here at Texas State. I currently work full time as a customer service representative. I love spending time outside with my family, hiking, practicing yoga and am a hobbyist photographer. 

Why teach?

I have always wanted to be a teacher, it just took me a very long time to realize it. My desire to continue learning has always remained strong throughout all of my life's seasons, and it is through teaching that I see the potential to never stop learning. My Kindergarten teacher was a wonderful role model and made the most impact on my decision to want to be a teacher. She was such a warm soul, and even at the age of 5, I could see her passion for ensuring that each of the children in my class received the best of learning experiences. She really loved what she did and that always resonated with me. 

My journey to get here is not typical, but I wouldn't change a thing. I first started school at Texas State University 17 years ago. I bounced back and forth between "what I wanted to be when I grew up" and eventually just landed in the workforce instead, seemingly never to complete my bachelor's degree. As I moved through adulthood, I became increasingly aware of my desire to make a change. I was grateful for each of the jobs I held, for paying the bills and teaching me other skills, but I was never truly satisfied.  Fast-forward over a decade and a half later and the circumstances began to just fall into place for me. 

I've always loved seeing children learn and the excitement that comes from a new understanding or concept, so this career decision feels the most natural. However, the most important life-changing event that led me back here today was becoming a mother. I never thought I would know the joy of motherhood. Health issues among other things made it seem impossible, and I came to terms with it being something I would never get to experience. 2018 changed all of that for me, when I found out I was pregnant. Life sure does have ways to surprise us. I was over the moon with joy and it all felt like a dream (it still does)! My son, two and a half years old, has now become my greatest teacher. He truly is the biggest inspiration for being back in school today. Through my experience with him, he has taught me that I can create the path I wish to travel. Watching him learn and navigate the world around him has helped me find my confidence and get back on the road I want to go down. It is because of him that I have a new perspective and set of goals.

Educational Aims

Everyday I see children of all ages providing valuable life lessons to adults, on the most basic levels. Reminding us of the simple things we tend to forget as we experience life and ideas that we lose over time. I want to give back to children for what they have taught and continue to teach me. I want to be able to guide them back to their own confidence and happiness when they lose their way; to show them there is not just one path to get where you want to go. To me, there is no job in the world more rewarding.  

So far, I am leaning towards teaching Kindergarten or 1st Grade, but I will let student teaching and observations help guide me to that decision in time. A quote on one of my favorite t-shirts sums it all up for me (the origin of the quote is unknown): "I don't know where I'm going, but I'll get there on time".  It reminds me that we may not always be 100% in control of the way events unfold in our life, but if we take the opportunities that present themselves throughout our travel, we will ultimately arrive when and where we need/ want to be.