The hour long drive from Toronto to Brock's Hamilton campus gave me a chance to reflect on my personal and profession journey. When I was 6 I wanted to be an astronomer. I am still fascinated by the beauty and breadth of our universe but when I was 12 I told my mom that I wanted to be a supreme court judge. She told me that I had to become a lawyer first and I was intent on that career choice right up until my third undergraduate year when I decided that the legal profession was too corrupt to suit me. I left university and entered the family business selling furniture for 5 years before my inner voice shouted that I was destined for more than sales. I became an air traffic controller for 3 years before leaving to answer that pesky little voice again saying that I needed to make a bigger impact on the world. There are not many people who can say they left their career to enter education because it was less stressful! They say the most stressful job in the world is the president of the United States, followed in order by a nurse working in a burn unit, an air traffic controller, and a teacher! So here we are.
Working as a special education assistant last year, I know that education is far from the easy job many people think it is. We get summers off, two weeks for winter holidays, another week for march break and all those professional and snow days without the kids but...we need them! My colleagues and myself were counting the days until summer break way back during the first week of May, and not because we didn't enjoy teaching children but because it was hard work and we needed a break to recharge. On my way to Brock last Tuesday for our first day, I was excited more than anything to begin classes. I felt that same excitement in many of my colleagues I met in our counselling group, both my peers and our councillors. The first week, as expected, did not really go into the methods and practices of good teachers. Administrative tasks were extensive and hopefully completed. I was able to get to know a few of my fellow classmates and look forward to meeting and getting to know all my classmates better in the following 8 months.
I want to become a teacher because children need more good teachers. As a male entering the primary-junior stream, I am very aware of the great need young children, especially young boys, have for positive male role models. I am also aware of the need within myself to make a strong and positive impact on my community. Through teaching, we WILL all impact hundreds and perhaps even thousands of children throughout our careers and lives. Let's make it a strong and positive impact!
In the words of John Lennon, whose memorial in Strawberry Fields I was able to visit in NYC last month..."Imagine all the people, living life in peace...Imagine all the people sharing all the world. They may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you will join us and the world will live as one."
Strawberry Fields, Central Park, NYC.
Imagine all the people living life in peace...Imagine all the people sharing all the world. You may say that I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you will join us and the world will live as one.
4 comments:
I must say that I love how you started off your post with your dreams and aspirations and ended with a lyrical quote. As a music fanatic I appreciated that twist. You’ll probably see lyrical quotes on my blog very soon. Music keeps me sane. I also must comment on how you took notice that there is a need for male teachers in the primary/junior division. I’ve worked in many school settings and have come across many situations where children are in desperate need of having that positive male role model. Therefore, its fantastic that you did not ignore that little voice inside you but decided to embrace it and make a difference… as you will make a difference in many children’s lives.
Hi Paul,
Thank you for sharing the journey of how you arrived at Brock.
I wish you a very successful year!
Lydia
Paul,
the quote you included in your blog really touched me. I think it is important for people to learn about the entire world and if possible to experience it, whether directly or indirectly. I believe that knowledge of the world gives us a better understanding of the people that we are sharing this world with. This knowledge validates the importance of every single individual from every single race, culture, background, ability and religion.
Thank you for sharing the picture from N.Y. City!
Hi, Paul
What a great introduction. You've had a very busy professional life! You have to have calm nerves to be an air traffic controller. Good for you!
What a quote! As soon as I read it, it brought back memories of when I was young. My mom and dad (british heritage) love the Beatles. I grew up listening to them. I can remember singing 'Imagine' with my friend Alison at my house many times! It's a great song with alot of meaning behind the lyrics. I've been to the memorial in NYC and it was a great opportunity. It's a sad story but it's nice that John Lennon's memory lives on. He certainly touched alot of lives across generations.
Thanks for sharing. :)
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