What are my own experiences as a learner?
I attended the same elementary school from grades 1-8, St. Michael’s Catholic School. There, my parents entered me into a French immersion program beginning in grade one, which led to my eventual bilingual diploma.
I was always a successful child within school, often scoring in the top percentiles of standardized tests; however, after about the fourth grade, school was no longer fun for me. It became something I dreaded. The French students were often given the brunt of school budget cuts, as our classroom materials were already less than those of our English equivalents. When our school was undergoing expansion, the staffroom became my classroom (which was pretty rad, don’t get me wrong), while my brother and his classmates were shoved into a library tutorial room.
I experienced animosity and hostility from my English peers, something I hope to discourage as a French teacher. Growing up, speaking French was something I resented; as an adult, I realize how much it has benefit me throughout my life and educational career. The language and its cultural implications have become an integral part of who I am.
In high school, my personal life began to flourish as I opened up to a new environment, to new friends and to new possibilities. Now I was at a school with extra curricular activities that excited and involved kids like me; before long, I was an avid member of the school Rock Band, Musical Theatre Productions, Drama Club, Newspaper, Choir and Student Council. Finally, my talents were being widely acknowledged and developed; as someone with very little self-esteem as an adolescent, the constant push and encouragement from my teachers and peers were the reasons behind my success. I have always greatly relied on others in my learning and in my personal growth.
During high school, I played the lead in four school musicals, performed in five theatrical productions and participated in volunteer organizations targeted towards random acts of kindness and adolescent community involvement.
My most significant educational experience has been a study abroad program through the University of Calgary’s Centre for International Students and Study Abroad (CISSA). I had the opportunity to live in residence at a university in Tours, France, where I learned the history and philosophy of the Renaissance. The experience I had is nearly inexplicable; I fully integrated myself into a world of castles and roses, accompanied by a richness of language and culture that I had never before experienced.
I deeply cherish my memories from the trip, and am proud of myself for balancing a five-semester course load, volunteer work and a part-time job in order to afford to go. I have adopted humanistic philosophies in relation to education that I hope to embody in my future career as an educator.
In University, my most significant (and by far the most rewarding) experience has been my volunteer participation in the Residence Students Association. The group is targeted towards making residence a better place for students to live by promoting socialization, school spirit and community involvement. We create and organize events to bring students out of their rooms and into situations where they can make friends. Students living in residence are often lonely and anxious due to schoolwork and living far from home; what we do is help create a family of residents to offer continual support in order to create a fun and loving communal "home away from home".
I have been on the organization for two years, firstly as a Student Representative (planning events for one floor), currently as an Events Commissioner (planning events for all residents) and next year as the R.S.A. Webpage Designer and Social Media Secretary. Being in the organization—participating and meeting people—has been a huge contribution to my personal growth as a lifelong learner. I am now learning to delegate, take control and organize. I have also implemented a Music Room in which residents may relax by playing their instruments without worrying about disturbing others.
So why become a teacher?
Many children lead a regular school life with their own ups and downs and, in the end, don’t exactly feel the need to come back. Really, as teachers, we are always learning; from our colleagues, from our students (especially), and from ourselves—it’s what comes with the job when one decides to spend one’s life in school. I’ve already mentioned my love for discovery…but what has initially inspired me to become a teacher?
It all comes down to one person: my daddy. My father captivates all the brilliance, reverence and charisma of a great teacher. He has taught English and Drama for over 25 years and never ceases to inspire and amaze his students. He reads almost a book a day, and has more information stored in his mind than anyone I have ever met. He can make a book recommendation to anyone and the person will love it; he uses his keen perception and empathy to relate to his students and gain their trust. Even now, he has pupils well into their adult lives who visit our house at least once a year.
My father’s evident love for his career has inspired me to pursue a life targeted towards others: his personal sacrifice, drive and passion are qualities I hope to embody to my best ability as a teacher.
My family.
For further readings into my experience and future career aspirations, please see my Education 455 Reflection Paper, as well as my current professional resumé.
For further readings into my experience and future career aspirations, please see my Education 455 Reflection Paper, as well as my current professional resumé.
Reflection Paper | |
File Size: | 48 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Resumé | |
File Size: | 44 kb |
File Type: | doc |