Teaching Influences

     To be completely honest with myself and who ever reads this, during my time in high school I was certain I did not want to become a teacher. My parents and grandparents were teachers, and they all advised me to pick something different. With that kind of influence it was easy for me to look elsewhere for my future career path. I did, on the other hand, have an abundance of really great teachers who I looked up to and admired the kind of people they were. I wasn't one of those kids who loved school. I disliked it honestly. I liked the social part but was not as enthused by the academics. I was smart enough that I could neglect my studies and rely mostly on memory and class time to accomplish good grades. I was Senior Class President and Beta Club President, which looked good on my applications, but may have been a little deceiving regarding my academic commitment and discipline. I would say I left high school completely convinced on not becoming a teacher. 

    It wasn't until I became a youth pastor for several years that I found out that I did enjoy teaching. I had become a Christian when I was 15 and had been attending church since then, and it took some convincing on behalf of my pastor to get me to commit to leading the youth in the church. I learned that it was fun for me to share information and insights that I knew with young people. During this time I also volunteered to help coach football at Valley Head High School (where I attended). I had always loved football, was good at it, and since this new enjoyment I had for teaching was found, I thought I could help. I learned that it wasn't only about the passing of information from me to the kids, but it was about the relationships that you build with them while doing it. Coaching requires spending a lot of time with players, and it requires you to go through hard times and learning experiences with them. I think when I realized the relationships with them could influence them to better themselves and their future lives is when I decided to become a teacher. 

    I have not always known that I wanted to be a teacher, but as I have gotten older I think the profession is where I could benefit the world the most. Maybe I will change my mind one day and decide to do something different, or maybe I will fall in love with it even more. I am open to where ever God leads me to go, and I find that most comforting. 

    

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