So how did a crazy girl from a rural county decided that she wanted to be a History Education Major? Since I was little you can say that my career choices was across the board as one would say.
I wanted to be a teacher, singer, baker and I almost went into cosmetology, until I changed my mind at the end of my junior year to be a history teacher. I’ve always loved history from the time I was in the 3rd grade, I just never saw history as a career choice until my junior year. I had a lot of influences from teachers I’ve had in the past that made me want to become a teacher myself because they gave me opportunities that I wish to give my potential students. They also helped me with advice and tips to make sure what I am going for is what I want to go for.
My 6th-grade teacher Mrs. Palmer gave me the in and outs of teaching and letting me know the risks when it comes to it, she showed me that teachers can serve as the biggest role model to kids.
My 11th-grade History teacher Coach Desjarlais taught me that history doesn’t have to be taught through boring lectures, but rather through fun activities, teaching us that with one historical event there could be millions of perspectives on how the event happened, and it renewed my love for history. He also taught me that you should always give students a chance to advance better no matter what challenges they have to face, as long as you believe in them.
My cosmetology teacher and life mentor, Mama Hardy taught me the patience that it takes to teach and never to give up on the students, rather give them hope and advice to do better. She also taught me the essentials of how to be a good listener, supporter, how to be a good braider and hair colorist. Honestly, if it wasn’t for her I would not have the basic skills for communication.
My 11th-grade Literature teacher Mrs. B was the first person that I talked to about wanting to become a history teacher, she gave me advice on how to approach it in terms of what type of colleges I need to be looking for. She also taught me that you can be a fun teacher as long it’s within the rules.
My 12th-grade teacher Mrs, Rucker basically helped me out with everything I needed to be a teacher. I had to do a senior project that was 95% of my grade, I did mine on being a high school history teacher. She helped me create my very 1st lesson plan and even allowed me to help her out on things in the classroom! I even helped with managing the senior capstone presentations on the days when I didn’t have to present. In some ways I can say she gave me an internship for teaching.
My mom, a special needs preschool teacher, is probably one of the biggest influencers in terms of me wanting to become a teacher. She taught that even though there are tough years, you can get through it with a smile on your face. The little happy moments matter more than the big rough moments, the smile on the parents face when they are told that their child is improving or when a non-verbal child speaks to you, makes the struggles all worth it.
I know that my major is going to have a lot of work and it may take me a while. However, I know at the end it will pay off. The idea of me having the potential to better lives and to show that history is more than just memorizing dates is why I wanted to become a history ed major.
Thanks for reading!