Why I Want to Become a Teacher

Hi! Welcome to my blog! My name is Brileigh Jones, I am nineteen years old, and I am a sophomore in my first semester of the Education Program at Jacksonville State University. For my first post, I wanted to answer a question that everyone seems to ask me, which is, "Why did you decide to become a teacher?" There are so many reasons! Since I was little, I have always looked up to my teachers and genuinely thought they were the coolest, smartest, most amazing people. I wanted to be just like them, and hopefully I am on my way to do just that! In 2017, I graduated from Etowah High School, and my teachers there especially had an impact on my life. I was really blessed with some incredible teachers who really encouraged me to become a critical thinker, and to focus more on learning than on being perfect or making all A's. They also made it a priority to build relationships with students and to really get to know us and be in our worlds. I really wanted to impact other students in the same way, so I decided to become an educator. Another reason that I want to be a teacher is because of the kids. I love to be around children of all ages; they are so happy and their minds are truly incredible. I work at a camp every summer with about five-hundred children each day, and from that I have learned that there is definitely no better place to be than surrounded by children. Many people underestimate the value, intelligence, and capabilities of kids, but even the youngest ones are capable of things we never thought were possible. The last, most important reason I want to be a teacher is because I believe it is my calling. Teaching is a gift, and I think that having the ability to teach opens up opportunities that should never be missed. Many people see teachers, especially those in elementary education, as baby-sitters or people who have an insignificant or simplistic job. One of my favorite quotes is, "You would be surprised at what you could not do if you did not know what you learned in Kindergarten," and it really just fuels my passion as a future educator. The early years in a child's life are foundational, and their education is detrimental to the future of our society. It is such a privilege to know that educating children is what I am going to get to do every day, and I can't wait to get started!