Introduction to the Class and Why I Chose It

Ever since Middle School, I've wanted to be a teacher. My middle school teacher was one of the greatest people I have ever known. He knew how to make school fun. He taught me how to use my natural skills to my advantage, and allowed me to flourish. After I left him for High School, I felt indebted to him. The way I figured it, if I became a teacher, and taught others the way he taught me, I would've paid my debt to him.

But it wasn't just a question of debt, it was also a question of what effect I wanted my life to have on others. I want to do for others what my middle school did for me. I want to help them find their wings, and send them off in flight. 

But one of my biggest obstacles was deciding what age group I wanted to teach. I was entirely unsure. But when this course was offered to me, I was excited to give it a try and see what it was like to teach kindergartners. And I have never regretted that decision.

There's something exhilarating about walking into a room full of kindergartners and hearing at least ten piping voices call out "Hi, Etienne!" The class I'm working in has 24 kids, each one of them uniquely gifted and talented. Some are good with math and numbers, others are good with reading and writing, some both. But one thing all of them have in common is the excitement they feel when either I or the teacher, Ms. Aerisolphal, comes to help them in their studies. Most of them look forward to me showing up in class, and it's become one of the best times of my day.

I spend three hours with these kids every other day; helping them with spelling. teaching them to read, watching as they write their "number sentences", and just being as helpful as I possibly can. These kids have a bright future ahead of them and I feel proud that I've been able to help them get started on their long journey.