Who are you?
Too often teachers remain shrouded in a cloud of mystery, often aloof and unwilling to share anything about their personal life. In order to fully connect with students and parents alike this cannot happen, so that it can be brought to light that while I value my professional life tremendously, there's more to me than that. I am, believe it or not, a real person, and I don't mind sharing my life with anyone. My career is one where I interact with, teach and mentor students on a daily basis so I realize that if I want to truly connect, I need to be open, and along with that comes an awareness that if I open my life up to my students then I better make sure I conduct myself in a professional manner in my personal life as well-so I have nothing to hide.
How I came to teaching
I grew up in the small town of Richland, Michigan and graduated from Gull Lake High School in 2007. I got my first real taste of the teaching world during my time in High School when, during my junior and senior years, I served as the Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper. I was in charge of coming up with lessons to help augment the writing skills of the staff, reading and grading and critiquing over 50 articles a month, as well as other day-to-day classroom functions such as taking attendance and assigning homework. There was an actual teacher in the room as well, but she served in an advisor role and handled disciplinary procedures, I was in charge. I knew from then on that there was nothing else I'd rather do with the rest of my life than teach others.
How I came to teaching
I grew up in the small town of Richland, Michigan and graduated from Gull Lake High School in 2007. I got my first real taste of the teaching world during my time in High School when, during my junior and senior years, I served as the Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper. I was in charge of coming up with lessons to help augment the writing skills of the staff, reading and grading and critiquing over 50 articles a month, as well as other day-to-day classroom functions such as taking attendance and assigning homework. There was an actual teacher in the room as well, but she served in an advisor role and handled disciplinary procedures, I was in charge. I knew from then on that there was nothing else I'd rather do with the rest of my life than teach others.
Life at WMU
I graduated among the top of my class and was driven to settle for nothing but the best. I had worked hard all of high school and planned on attending the University of Michigan, and would be the first one in my family to attend a nationally respected college, as my parents and older siblings went to either Western Michigan or Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Unfortunately U of M did not see me in their future, and to my general shock, and the shock of my friends and family, I was denied acceptance for reasons I'm still unsure of. Instead of letting the rejection deter me, I enrolled at WMU and rigorously applied myself to my studies and have done very well for myself. On top of my school work I was a proud member for 3 years of the WMU Bronco Marching Band, where I played Trombone and cheered on my school and the team wherever they went- from major cities like Detroit and Houston, to famous college stadiums like the Big House in Ann Arbor. Upon taking the field at Michigan Stadium for the game between WMU and U of M in September of 2009, I reflected on my two completed years at WMU and realized that, for all the hopes and dreams I had in High School of sitting in the seats I was gazing upon as a student, I could not have been happier with the way things worked out and I was proud to represent Western that day, even if the team suffered a rather humiliating loss.
Work experience
When not in class or on the football field with the band, I work as a manger at a local Arby's restaurant where I usually put in 30 hours a week. It may not be the most glamorous job (although I daresay it is certainly nicer than other fast food restaurants which I will not name) it has not only taught me the value of patience, but has helped me craft my leadership and other necessary skills I will need for my career. Motivating my employees to work hard and treating them with respect in order to get respect from them are key elements that I will take away from my experiences. Given that I plan on becoming a teacher I was also put in charge of the employee training program, which allows me to summon my inner teacher and help train and teach employees on various positions throughout the store as well as work with more experienced employees who are becoming managers. While it is only a part-time job I have found ways to use it to my advantage to further myself as a future educator.
