Thoughts on the Possibility of Becoming an Educator (Or Teacher or Professor)

So, for most of my teenage and early adulthood, I have been complimented by many people on how much kids love me and are drawn to me.  And in recent months have rekindled my aspirations to teach, especially with the post-graduation plans creeping closer and closer.

I have worked with a variety of ages within my church, including my time substituting in the kindergarten Sunday School class (in high school), working with the pre-k (4 year-old) Sunday School class since I have been in college and through the bus ministry at my church. I have watched many of them grow up and some are looking at colleges and in high school.  

Earlier this week, my mentor, Dr. H mentioned to me that she was bringing her daughters on campus for an event.  At first, I didn't know if I would possibly swing by and see her kiddos, but I did end up going.  And when I did, I was greeted by not only her oldest daughter, but by one of the other professor's daughter, who running behind me and tackling me (which I am not a stranger to since I work with children).  I also saw Dr. Ws little one and talked to him until he went on to play with the other three kids.  (And yes --- at one point, I had all 4 of them, including Dr. H's 2 year old, all hanging on me trying to tackle me (playing soccer/basketball) and almost lost my pants!).  

And today -- I helped with an event, "Mysteries in Science," (to celebrate Natl' Chemistry Week). I didn't know what to expect, especially since this was the first time we had a STEM event, with many children of varying ages.  I helped my organic chemistry professor with an acid-base experiment using Alka-Seltzer and water in vials to create mini-explosions.  It was fun to watch their excitement the tops of the vials exploding.  I also loved watching them answer and ask questions.  

Also, I have been thinking of teaching (even if I am working as a tutor in addition to my job) after helping tutor in Spanish and leading SI sessions.  Many people struggle with Spanish for various reasons and it feels great when you can reach a person who may understand it if you present it in a way that engages their learning style.  

Also, another reason I would like to teach is to reach out to those who may not learn or have difficulty with school because of learning disabilities, autism, and ADHD.  After being in neuroscience, along with other psychology courses I have taken since I was a senior in high school, I have had a keen interest in learning styles, these disorders, and even how the brain works with processing information in everyone.  

Just some thoughts!

October Updates

Hard to believe it is halfway through the semester!  This semester has been a rollercoaster but everything is leveling out.  I have learned nothing goes as expected.  This semester by far has been the busiest; I had 16 credit hours, in addition to going to the Spanish class I lead supplemental instruction for, the SI position, and my work-study position - and the other things I am involved in (clubs, church, etc).  In addition to this, my neuroscience class has been the heaviest in terms of assignments.

I had my whole year planned out in order to graduate, that was until I bombed a couple of tests in physics.  It is funny to think how I made it through the chemistry courses, but I get to this class and things did not work out and I had to drop it.  What happened had nothing to do with lack of trying and not understanding the material but rather testing anxiety, which is never a good thing when the class is comprised of 80% tests.  However, I am thankful that my professor for the course was wanting to help me however he could and was honest with me, as well as other students.

My other courses have been okay.  Neuroscience, aside from the work we do, has been the most interesting and has helped me to prepare for going into the workforce and down the road, graduate school.   Drawing has also been my favorite class.  We have had 3 major assignments so far; leaves, tools, and now a diorama and drawing paired together.  I am doing my diorama/drawing assignment on brains, which will be different from what many other people are doing theirs on.  Hebrew Bible has been interesting, although I would prefer this particular type of class later in the day.  I have a better understanding of the Old Testament and who some of the people are that were prominent in the OT (patriarch, prophets, kings) and how the OT varies from my understanding of the New Testament. Capstone for Biology, which has some similar components to Neuroscience (paper, presentations - oral), has been okay.  I am excited that I get to my thesis paper (once I decide on what I want my thesis to be on) on mosquito habitats from what I learned in my internship from during the summer.

SI has been an interesting.  There has not been many people coming (although I am not sure why) but the ones who have come I have been able to help.  I loved helping one of the dudes, W.S., connect the grammar (tenses) to what he knows about writing (a common interest we both share) since he is a communication major.  I have been able to help a couple of other people as well.  I am hoping to tutor Spanish now that I have one less class.

I am looking forward to the rest of the semester!  I am excited for Erin Brochivich, who is coming to speak at our schools, Center for the Environment's, events.  I loved the movie which is based on her life.  She started working for a lawyer and ended up working on an environmental issue that affected many people that lived in the area close to where she lives.  She did all of this despite being a single mother, very little education, and being doubted.  I also have my induction ceremony for Psi Chi (psychology honors society) coming up, some exciting PR assignments, including learning more about FYS courses offered this year, and of course, Christmas!

Letter to college freshman (current and future)

To any current or upcoming freshman,

You made it through senior year of high school.  You have narrowed down where you are attending college, made it past SATs and ACTs, and graduated... however this is only the beginning.  

After being in college for four years, I have learned a lot of lessons, both good and bad.   As many people have mentioned,  I would go back and reconsider past decisions and do over certain parts of my endeavors as an undergrad (classes, choosing a major, etc.).

As a freshman, don't be rash with what you want to do in terms of a major.  I started off my college career wanting to be an art/music therapist for children. However, I also wanted to research genetic or mitochondrial disorders.  This made things very interesting for me when deciding what I wanted to major in.

So I took the introductory level classes for both psychology and biology and quickly found some of the courses were going to be challenging but worth it to pass in order to take more interesting courses.  I learned this quickly after taking Data Analysis for Behavioral Sciences as a freshman.  I didn't understand why we were learning statistics, especially by hand. But after taking more classes in biology and psychology, it became apparent why this was class was important before taking other classes, such as Experimental Psychology and Neuroscience (the most interesting/engaging classes that I have taken in the psychology discipline). Also, many people in biology majors are intimidated by the thought of taking chemistry and physics - but you can get through them. This holds true to other majors as well. 

Also, my career interests have changed over the years.  Since I was a freshman in high school, my dream careers have changed - I have wanted to be a journalist, a tattoo artist, a nurse, a teacher, art/music therapist, geneticist, research scientist, writer, and an environmental health specialist. 

Another important thing is to not lose your passion for whatever it is that you love to do.  I have spent the last four years focusing my energies on school that it was not until I started writing again for my Public Relations work-study that my interest in writing was rekindled.  Same with drawing, which was something I never thought would benefit me in the sciences, yet my mentor told me from the beginning that I could use my creative talents in my future career in science (writing and illustration). So, keep your passion for your sport, making videos, photography, music, whatever it is you do!

Also, take advantage of getting to know a professor or two, especially in your major/discipline.  My first mentor that I have had since freshman has been there for me since day one and has given me opportunities - including being asked to help with research, finding a work-study opportunity that intertwined my interests/skills, and encouragement when I had my first internship.  With this, listen to those who are your mentors (in and out of school) that mentor and look out for you.  One of my mentors has given me advice on many occasions, and one of the recent challenges I had wouldn't have happened if I heeded her advice. 

With this, enjoy your undergraduate career.  This is the time in your life you will find yourself and will do a lot of growing up.  You will have friends that come and go, as will many people throughout your life.  You will have late nights, stress, and fun opportunities that you will remember the rest of your life!