When you walk into a classroom for the first day of school everyone has their eyes on the teacher. This is your first encounter with this individual and it's common for someone to start analyzing them as they introduce themselves and lead the class. You don't know much about this person but you do know that they like to be in the classroom. The stereotype for a teacher is someone who is by the books and doesn't like to have fun. Teachers give out homework and they test you on your knowledge. Sometimes it may seem like they're the worst people in the world however; they do it to help guide you in the proper direction for later on in life.
I myself am going to attend college to receive my teaching degree and become a high school English teacher. I travel, I go out with friends, I drive a fantastic car, and the most interesting thing is my 7 tattoos. In the workforce, tattoos are seen as a symbol of immaturity, troubled past, and people attempt to cover them up when applying for a job. The art on my body is displayed in open locations and it helps paint the picture of who I am as a person. There is a hint of mystery when trying to figure out what these images depict and that allows me to break the stereotype.
I, as a person, am proud of who I have become and I am proud of the art on my body. While I can't draw to save my life, I like to place these creations on my body to show the different pieces of me. I will not hide who I am and I will not cover up the things that illustrate my personality. We live in a generation where millennials have art across their body and are proud to demonstrate it; just as we should be.
When you walk into a classroom and you see a teacher with their true self-showing; it allows a connection to be built. Students recognize that this person isn't a by the book, hard headed, old school, or a strict individual. They show signs of life that allow the students to engage in the classroom and have a sense of comfort. When you're comfortable with what you're doing; that is when we see the most results out of our students.
I am hoping by my attempt to change the stereotype and creating a new image for future teachers will allow for my students to show more interest in the classroom as well as success on their work. The 'hipster' or 'indie' style is a trend that flourishes in this time of age and allows for true beauty to appear. I will admit that I am one of these individuals and I hope that more people will open up and break the stereotypes that surround us every day. One 'hipster' at a time.
