Teach to Reach

Hello everyone! I hope you are all doing well on this beautifully cool, rainy day. One of the last things Tony told me as he walked out the door this morning was to "Try not to drown out there." I hope none of you are having to pull out your boat and paddle to get to where you have to be this afternoon. :) I want to take a second to just give a shout out to every educator, coach, or staff member that has influenced my life. Each of you has made a different impact on the person I am today, however I would not be where I am without your guidance, support, and love. Specifically, I am talking about all of those wonderful people at Patrician Academy. When I think back on my Patrician years I am reminded of those who taught me to read, write, express my creative side artistically, tumble at gymnastics, and even be involved in way too many organizations and extracurricular activities. As most of you know, I am a lover of establishing roots and I could not be more thankful for those I have at Patrician Academy in Butler, Alabama! Still today, it is the very influence of the many academic and extracurricular activities as well as my personal goals that have driven me to want to excel in all that I do and to be a good role model for those I come in contact with, academically and professionally. So, thank you Patrician Academy faculty for all you did while I was there and all you continue to do for today’s generation of students.

In high school I always played with the idea of what I wanted to be when I grew up. I knew that I wanted to make my parents proud, but I also knew that money was not a factor for what major I chose. I always thought I wanted to go into the medical field simply because I have a heart for helping people, however as soon as I started classes at Southeastern Louisiana during my first semester of college I knew that it was not for me. I quickly learned that in order to be successful at my job, I must love my job. Transferring to LSU and changing my major to education was one of the hardest, but smartest decisions I think I have ever made (for me) academically. I probably should have picked up on it when I was in high school, but because of one sweet little boy and a two key teachers, I now realize that I have a passion for teaching in the same ways that they taught me. I cannot wait to make an impact on a student’s life in similar ways that others have impacted mine.

As a college student, my education experience has been very different from that comfort zone in which I grew up in at Patrician. As an Early Childhood/Elementary major I am currently in an education class that requires me think outside of the box. Each class session we dive into that which is below the surface and although the topic at hand may not be pretty to hear or easy to discuss at first, it feels beyond awesome once the particular assignment or requirement is understood and successfully accomplished. It is the very passion for knowledge in the midst of a constant challenge that inspires me to want to educate and influence others.

Since a child, I have been a firm believer of the quote, “The life you live is the lesson you teach.” I hope to become a teacher that students will trust and look up to, knowing I will always go the extra mile to ensure their success. As a future educator, I want to be that hands on teacher academically, morally, and emotionally. I want to teach to reach in honor of those who have done for me. Ultimately, my goal is to become the best educational influence for future students, peers, school systems, and communities inside and outside of the classroom. Of course I have fears of not making my mark as I should, however I think the "know how" will come with time and practice. I am so thankful for where I am today, even if I am going to graduate a few years later than expected. I am slowing learning that I am right where I need to be and that everything happens for a reason despite the way the world works and how timing compares.

If you are an educator, THANK YOU for all you do- the time committed inside and outside of the classroom, the pay cuts, furthering your professional scope, and so so much more. Know that you are appreciated! Until next time, happy blogging!