“In high school, I was bullied for being queer, loud, and different. I felt like I never had a voice and, when I did have a voice, it was never as important as everyone else’s. Honestly, I believe it’s so important to make people understand that their voices are heard because for so long I felt like mine wasn’t and that it faded into the background. That’s why I am as outspoken as I am today. When I speak out, I know that someone feels seen and heard and that one day, they will have the courage to speak up about the things that they love and what other people may shame them for. Knowing that they have a voice and that their voice matters is why I want to be an educator and why I strive to be a better version of myself every day.

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.