With my experiences, what I’ll bring to the classroom is allowing my students to be whatever they want to be. When you give a child the opportunity to cultivate their own thoughts and ideas based on what they like, it makes a difference. I want my children to be able to explore. For example, one of my students loves bugs. Bugs disgust me, but I didn’t want to shame him or take away something that interests him by saying they’re nasty. This may be the next archeologist or professional that is world-renowned for his work. If it makes you happy and feels right to you, then who am I to say this is wrong?
I’m currently doing my student teaching in the Hinds County area. On my very first day, a child came up to me on the playground and hugged my leg like she’d known me her entire life. That was the moment I said, ‘This is where I’m supposed to be.’ These students know nothing about me, yet they trust and love me, which really makes me happy. Even when I don’t feel like going, I realize these children need me just as badly as I need them. It’s so worth it to have wonderful students who are so smart and full of life, wisdom, and beauty. They’re the reasons why I get up every day.”
– Jamareous, senior elementary education major from Columbia, Miss.
