For Mom

I had to write a paper for class explaning why it is that I have decided to become a teacher.  Here is an excerpt from it (for those friends of mine who are editors, don't judge too harshly ;-). Writing's not my forte):

All of my life, I have had the privilege of observing my mother’s life as a teacher.  I have watched as she has poured her heart and soul into her students, one precious life at a time.  I have witnessed the effort she has put in to knowing the individuals whose lives she is impacting personally:  from character traits, to interests and hobbies, to family histories and cultural backgrounds.  I am able to recall the specific attention she has paid hurting students, from providing the safe and positive environment of her classroom, to taking the time to pray with those who asked; regarding that child’s need of prayer as greater than the system’s opposition to it.  I have seen the pain inflicted upon her as cancer and gunfire have claimed the lives of some of her students.  I have also seen her display her strength by returning to the classroom day after day, no matter how difficult the previous one had been.  In doing so, she set an example of love and perseverance for her students, coworkers, and family.  I have seen the incredible sacrifice of time, money, reputation, and time spent with her family that she has made for her classroom:  All of the extra hours she has spent after school providing the best place possible for the children who needed a positive place to be;  the money that she spent for materials that the school could or would not supply; the way she has disregarded the harsh words spoken to and of her for working in the poor school district, and held strong, instead, to the truth that she was exactly where she was needed most.

I have also seen the many cards, pictures, and letters that were crafted by the small hands of her students in an effort to express their gratitude and appreciation for her love.  I’ve experienced running into her former students with her, and having them recognize and remember her for the great impact she had had on their lives. 

In addition to all that she did for her students, I watched as she raised a beautiful and successful family in the midst of a tumultuous marriage, never losing her heart for her children and students.

 

The example that my mother has set has ultimately led to my desire and decision to become a teacher.  I am in awe of the inspiration she has been, and the perseverance she has displayed through bad administrators, and the heart-wrenching stories that her students bring.  I have witnessed a glimpse of the tribulation that is to be had as a teacher, but also have the confidence that my passion for my students can carry me through that.   I have seen and experienced the joy of the classroom and the innocent beauty of the lives it contains.  I believe that this is where my heart is, and that I have most definitely been called—by many different voices—to be a teacher.