Learning To Teach The Future and Never Forgetting the Past
Waking up that morning, I had no idea what to expect. No one did. Yet that morning America realized the horror and terror that inhumane, faceless monsters can bring. I watched the images on the TV; I thought I must be dreaming because this could not really happen. How could this happen? That day was September 11th, 2001. I never knew a soul on those planes, a hero who ran into those buildings in hopes of saving others, or a single individual who innocently went to work that day. I also never knew a family member who waited across the country for a loved one who never came home. I did not have to walk into a classroom that morning and try to explain to the terrified youth of America what happened. That day holds strong in my memory. That day changed so many people, including myself. I realized that day that my generation’s test had begun. I realized that our generation’s page had been added to the history book of life. I recognized that day that I could help my country by becoming a teacher. I had to teach that history page and that history book. I never got to hold a child who lost their mommy or daddy. I never got to shake the hand of an angel who boarded a plane that morning and was able to stand up and defeat those, on that same plane, who threatened our freedom. Nor did I get the chance to wish luck to a soldier who crossed the globe to defend each one of us. I can, however, teach and show a student what happened that day in our nation’s history and the days long before and long after. I realized after that unimaginable day that I can help our country; I can help by educating America’s youth. Learning is the most important part of life, and someday I can stand proudly in front of my students and educate them about America’s history. I feel it is important to understand why I have decided to become a teacher. I cannot say that this is the only reason I have decided to become a teacher. I feel that deep down inside, I have always truly wanted to teach. I used to teach my stuffed animals, and when my little sister and brother got older, I used to teach them. That day however, made me realize that a teacher is so important. If not for teachers, how would the future know the past? I have come to the conclusion that the best way I can serve my country is to show future students its remarkable past. My journey to become a teacher has been wonderful. I have been able to spend time in classrooms through service learning, coming to the realization that teaching is what I have to do. I want to be a teacher. I want to show students how wonderful learning can be.
Both of my service learning classrooms made me feel as though I was meant to be there. When I was in those classrooms, I was there not just as a student, but as a teacher. I started to learn ways in which I will someday educate my own students. The most memorable experience during my service learning was sitting in one of my service learning classrooms two years after that horrible day in September. Even though it has been two years since one of the darkest days in history many still struggle to cope. On that day I was able to watch a teacher bring hope to students who still struggle with fear. It was very emotional to watch that junior high school show pride for their country. It was also amazing to realize that the school finds time to give reflection on past events. I realized after I had finished my service learning that both schools that I had the privilege of visiting said the full Pledge of Allegiance. After the pledge, both schools allowed their students to stand for a moment of silence. While the why was never spoken out loud, the feeling of knowing why I stood gives me goose bumps. What an amazing activity for a school to do. In a time that our country seems to be dividing it is good to know that our students can stand united for something-American pride. What is so remarkable is that both schools do these activities daily. It gave me such satisfaction to see young Americans taking pride in their country.
Spending time at my service learning schools has allowed me to realize just how much I want to be a teacher! The time I spent with Mr. Red, Mrs. White, and Mr. Blue was time that I can never be thankful enough for. While the experiences at both schools were very different, they each added to my knowledge of the profession. My greatest fear was that I would feel awkward in the classrooms. This project allowed me to conquer my fear. I realized, like F.D.R. once said, “that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” I feel so privileged that I got the chance to spend time in actual classrooms as a teacher. It made me realize not only the importance of teachers, but the importance of the education system. I know that someday I will make a difference because someday I will be a teacher.
Graphics provided by www.wrclan.clanned.net and Personal Photos
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