Some people seem to think that I am crazy for wanting to work with children as my career. Although, no one seems to ask me the why behind my future career. As long as everything goes as planned, I am going to be a kindergarten teacher here in Oklahoma. Maybe not Norman, but I still plan to stay in Oklahoma. When someone asks me what my major is and I tell them Early Childhood Education, the typical response is “oh you’re braver than me.” But no one realizes that a children’s mind is honestly mind-blowing if you pay attention to the small details. What games they play, how they speak to each other, they are much smarter than one thinks. I have realized that after working with preschoolers every week at church back home in Illinois.
That’s a picture of my Aunt Bert and tiny me:)
Not only is it amazing, in my opinion, to help little ones grow their education and grow a strong relationship with their education, but I am also doing this because of the kindergarten teacher that I had, Mrs. Roberts. Mrs. Roberts is not only an amazing teacher, but an amazing person overall. She in fact went as far as sending me a card to congratulate me when I graduated from high school. Mrs. Roberts made her classroom feel like home. She was always friendly, grew a bond with each of her students, encouraged a stronger education, and treated each of her students as if they were her own children. Mrs. Roberts is a role model for me when it comes to the type of teacher that I want to be.
So, while I may be “braver” than someone for wanting to teach children as my career, think about why I chose this career before anything else. I cannot wait to teach little ones and help them grow a stronger relationship with their education and love for learning from the start.
A picture of Jolee just because:)
3 Comments
My niece works here at OU in early childhood ed, and (recent) former students of mine are in that major! When it comes to the research project, I think you’ll be able to find a related topic to explore…
I absolutely love your passion for early childhood education! It’s clear that you’ve given a lot of thought to your future career, and I think it’s wonderful that you’re pursuing something you’re genuinely excited about. The impact a great teacher can have on a child’s life is immeasurable, and it sounds like Mrs. Roberts made an incredible impression on you—what a beautiful role model! I also agree that children’s minds are amazing and full of potential, and it’s so rewarding to help foster that curiosity and love for learning. Your dedication to becoming a teacher who creates a welcoming, nurturing environment will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the students you work with. Best of luck with everything, and I have no doubt you’ll make an incredible teacher!
I’m shocked that people respond that way when you tell them you’re going into Early Childhood Education. I’ve always found it admirable! Maybe that’s just because my mom did that for college, but still! I find it incredibly admirable that you genuinely want to foster enjoyment for learning in children!
Also, you’re absolutely right about children’s minds! Children are so fascinating! When I think about myself as a kid, I’m shocked by some of the thoughts even I was having then. I understood a lot more things than I thought I did. Children being seen as well, ‘childish’, is such an awful stereotype to everyone involved.