I have been thinking a lot lately about goals I have for 2022 and for my future. As I reflect on my past, I have been thinking about a professor I had about five years ago and the impact she has made in my life.
This professor was engaging, motivating, and inspiring. I struggled with math growing up, and there were many tears shed when I was a young child due to not understanding how to solve certain problems. I knew I wanted to teach, but I did not know what subject. When I recalled my own struggles with math growing up, I had a lightbulb moment go off, and I knew I wanted to help students overcome their own struggles. During my time in college when I was taking math classes for my specialization in middle school mathematics, I had a hard time with my classes, and I remember crying in my apartment during finals week of Fall 2016 due to not knowing if I would pass the math class I was currently taking. I told myself that, if I earned a D or an F, that would be my sign to switch my specialization. I had math anxiety growing up, and that was a critical point in my undergrad experience. Thankfully, I passed that one specific course, but I was still debating on switching out of my math specialization. I looked at the course I was set to take the semester after, and I felt something in my heart telling me not to switch and that this professor would be the one to re - ignite my passion for teaching and mathematics. That was all I needed, and I am so glad I listened to my heart because, indeed, that professor changed the way I view mathematics and impacted my life as well. I have tears in my eyes writing this because I honestly do not know what path my career would take if I did not have this math professor during that semester. I know professors, just like teachers, have obligations to fulfill. This professor had high standards and expectations. She taught from the heart while also teaching with the utmost integrity. She believed in all her students and taught through a discovery based learning approach which I appreciated. She also helped me during office hours, and she took the time to not only get to know me as a learner but also as a person. She told me once that she is just doing her job, and, yes, she was, but she went above and beyond in my opinion. I have had many professors during community college and at the university level, and I remember their names, but I do not remember any of them as well as I do this one. That is because she did more than just teach me mathematics, but she also re - ignited my spark and love for teaching and reminded me of the impact a teacher can make in the life of a student (and, yes, even one in her 20's). Professors like her deserve the utmost respect and appreciation. I was the first person in my family to graduate from college, and I did not know how this would all work. Because of her impact, I felt confident in my abilities, and I am now one semester away from finishing my masters degree and am even debating on going back to school after again in hopes of becoming a part time professor. Yes, she had a role in that desire in my heart, and I do not know if it will happen, but I have a desire that I did not have before to continue to learn and grow. Even if I decide not to go that route, I know the way I teach is forever influenced by having her as a professor, and I have been changed for good either way. I just hope she knows how appreciated she is.
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April 2024
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