I think I have always known that someday I would be a teacher. I have had the desire to enter this career since I was a young child. Many barriers stopped me from achieving this goal at a younger age, but I have never given up on this dream. I knew that I wanted to help children learn and to reach their full potential. This was my goal, and I knew it would be accomplished in my life.

I married at the age of 18 and had my daughter by the time I was 19. Almost two years later, I had my second daughter. At that time, I wanted to be the best mother possible to my two daughters. I stayed at home caring for them, and I enjoyed watching them grow and learn new things. By the time my youngest daughter was 2, I wanted to try and take college classes. With determination, I was able to complete my Associate in Arts degree in two years while raising my two daughters with the help of my husband. After earning my degree, I decided to take a small break from college. During that time, I became pregnant with my son. I decided that I wanted to spend as much time as possible with him since he would be my last child. It was bittersweet to watch my youngest son grow and learn, just as my daughters did at a young age. When my son entered 4-year-old kindergarten, I decided that I wanted to become a substitute teacher. Once I started substitute teaching within the local schools, I knew that my passion to become a teacher was still there.

When my son entered 5-year-old kindergarten (while my daughters entered 7th and 5th grade), I decided to research online colleges for my education degree. I found that Western Governors University was accredited by NCATE, and I was intrigued by this. I also heard from other WGU students that the school had an excellent teacher's college. I enrolled in WGU in January 2008, and I began my term in February. I have truly loved my classes, and I have really enjoyed my education classes. I am very excited about the opportunity to receive my early childhood and elementary education degree.

In January of 2009, I was given the opportunity to begin my 12 weeks of demonstration teaching experience at Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary School. I was placed in a second grade class with 19 wonderful students. My host teacher gave me wonderful tips and suggestions to help me become a better teacher. She has been a mentor to me, and I will always appreciate her kindness. Also, I will always remember the delightful second grade students.

I know that I can be a wonderful teacher. I want to help every child reach their full potential. Also, I want children to know that they are important. Many children come from unfortunate backgrounds, and I do not want this to stop them from reaching his/her fullest potential. I want to give them that boost in self-esteem and to let them know that anything is possible if you try. I look forward to fulfilling my dream of being a teacher.