I can't believe it will be two years in April that I graduated from BYU. That last day was so bittersweet. I came into my own on and around that beautiful campus. It was hard leaving pieces of myself behind, those layers that I had outgrown and shed. Nevertheless, I was ready.
I toyed with the idea of attending graduate school, but the thought of another few years of schooling overwhelmed me. I needed a break. So I brushed the thoughts aside and began focusing on getting a job.
That fateful Summer the stars aligned and I was offered a position at a charter school. The job involved several roles, including an opportunity to assistant teach a sixth grade English class. It was in that classroom, among eager twelve year old minds, that I discovered my vocation. I found myself thrilled to go to work each day, ready to delve into stories filled with mystery and suspense, victory and heartbreak, hobbits, huskies, and sprites. I joyed in directing amateur Shakespeare plays and watching the kids interpret age old texts. I cheered for them in every test, essay, and poetry memorization. I was immersed in a subject I love, and I was helping young minds learn and grow.
Last Summer, after completing my first year of teaching, I knew that I wanted to make a career of it. I began seriously researching what I would need to do to get licensed and the possibility of getting a Master's. In November, after getting advice from several of my colleagues and looking over many programs and options, I decided to apply to the University of Utah to get a second degree and licensure in English Teaching. I received my acceptance letter in February and I will be starting my program in May! In addition to the program, my advisors have helped me develop a plan that will allow me to start taking Education classes this Summer, which will give me a head start when I apply to the Masters of Education program.
I'm so grateful for the opportunity to head back to school, for the loving hand above that guided me to this path, for a supportive husband, and for a school administration that is so willing to work around my plans.
Wish me luck!
SMD
That fateful Summer the stars aligned and I was offered a position at a charter school. The job involved several roles, including an opportunity to assistant teach a sixth grade English class. It was in that classroom, among eager twelve year old minds, that I discovered my vocation. I found myself thrilled to go to work each day, ready to delve into stories filled with mystery and suspense, victory and heartbreak, hobbits, huskies, and sprites. I joyed in directing amateur Shakespeare plays and watching the kids interpret age old texts. I cheered for them in every test, essay, and poetry memorization. I was immersed in a subject I love, and I was helping young minds learn and grow.
Last Summer, after completing my first year of teaching, I knew that I wanted to make a career of it. I began seriously researching what I would need to do to get licensed and the possibility of getting a Master's. In November, after getting advice from several of my colleagues and looking over many programs and options, I decided to apply to the University of Utah to get a second degree and licensure in English Teaching. I received my acceptance letter in February and I will be starting my program in May! In addition to the program, my advisors have helped me develop a plan that will allow me to start taking Education classes this Summer, which will give me a head start when I apply to the Masters of Education program.
I'm so grateful for the opportunity to head back to school, for the loving hand above that guided me to this path, for a supportive husband, and for a school administration that is so willing to work around my plans.
Wish me luck!
SMD
