This is the first of four posts leading up to the Dear Self: a 7-day interactive event.
Being me
When I was seven years old, I decided to become a teacher because my parents believed education could lead to a good job.
The impetus came from my parents and the value they placed on learning. My mother and father both dropped out of school in Grade 10. They were the oldest children in their families. Getting a job and contributing to the household was expected. However, they still believed in excelling at school. Some of my parents' closest friends had continued in school and become teachers and dentists, so they had seen firsthand how education could lead to a good job.
My father was a coal miner. His ten-hour shift started at five a.m. sharp. He came home tired, thirsty, and covered in coal dust each day. His experience was quite different from that of someone who taught school or worked in a bank. He recognized schooling as the difference between jobs.
My father's favourite saying was, "What you do in school, you do for yourself." Each time I came home from school with exemplary marks on an assignment, he pointed out how my accomplishments would benefit me. He reminded me of the connection between getting high marks, attending university, and working in a good job; his words taught me to take responsibility for my learning. My mother always recognized my efforts and took great pride in my achievements by displaying examples of my work on the fridge for all to see. Together, my parents fostered in me a passion for learning. With their love and support, I pursued education passionately and intensely.
As a child, my parents supported my decision to enroll in babysitter training and first aid courses and always celebrated my achievements. Like before, the certificates I earned were always proudly displayed on the fridge. As a young adult, my parents did not cease to support and celebrate my achievements. After I graduated from the University of Oregon in 1996, they expressed their pride by writing a message in the local newspaper to congratulate me on my achievement. My parents' high regard for education helped me develop as an educator. It motivated me in my ongoing learning quest.
At seven, I chose teaching as my future career and pledged to share my passion for learning with others.
In Grade 8, my life compass pointed to teaching, and I pledged to join the profession. I remember intentionally wearing a black three-piece suit on the first day of school as a pledge to the job. Most of my friends knew I wanted to become a teacher. Instead of mocking my wardrobe choice, they nicknamed me "Teach" because I looked professional. I was incredibly serious about my commitment to learning and education.
I was very studious in secondary school, and my passion for learning helped me earn high marks in most classes. I was inspired to choose a "teachable" when a new teacher arrived during Grade 9. Her name was Mrs. Twa, and she sparked my interest in sports and physical activity. She made PE fun and encouraged her students to work to the highest level of their ability. She did not tell us to run the track; she ran with us. She evaluated our attitude, effort, and participation more than our skill level and technique. Mrs. Twa was more than my teacher; she was my mentor. I often visited her in the office after school. Many of our conversations included stories about my parents and how they influenced my decision to become a teacher. As our relationship grew, I felt at ease asking her advice about my plans to become a physical education teacher.
In Grade 12, Mrs. Twa provided me with several opportunities to teach; her encouragement and guidance were the sole reason I decided to become a PE teacher. Her confidence in my ability to be an effective physical educator was encouraging. She often complimented me on my passion for learning.
For example, she taught me about planning and evaluating physical education and willingly shared her teaching philosophy. Mrs. Twa's influence, encouragement, and guidance were the sole reason I decided to become a PE teacher.
Becoming me
After graduating high school, I studied in the School of Physical Education at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Even though I hadn't considered myself a natural athlete, I had a keen interest in teaching physical education. This was because I was determined to succeed. Strong study habits led to high marks in theory courses. However, the challenging activity courses contributed most to my teacher development.
At UBC, students in physical education were required to pass aquatics to graduate. I was a weak swimmer and afraid of water. However, with perseverance and a strong belief that dedication and commitment paid off, I passed the course on my first try!
After every class on Friday, I spent an extra hour in the pool to work on my skills and comfort level in the water. With additional practice, I learned to swim well to pass the course.
Experiencing such difficulties gave me a deeper understanding and empathy for my future students. This was because I knew firsthand how it felt to struggle. As a result of this insight, my teacher credibility strengthened when my students knew I had a similar experience.
In a nutshell
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my decision to become a teacher was shaped by my parents' unwavering belief in the power of education. Their experiences, sacrifices, and stories of success they witnessed in their friends' lives instilled this belief in me. From my father's laborious coal-mining job to my mother's consistent support, their guidance fueled my passion for learning. As a child, I promised to share this passion with others through teaching.
Throughout my school years, I carried this commitment close to my heart. The nickname "Teach" became a badge of honour, a symbol of my dedication to the path I chose. I was fortunate to have mentors like Mrs. Twa. She inspired me with her teaching methods and provided invaluable guidance that solidified my desire to become a physical education teacher. Their influence on my journey cannot be overstated.
Transitioning into university life, I embraced the challenges that came my way. The journey through the School of Physical Education was marked by determination and passion. Overcoming my fear of water to pass the aquatics course highlighted perseverance and tenacity. These struggles deepened my understanding of the hurdles students in my classes might face, ultimately strengthening my connection with them as an educator.
Looking back, I see the threads that connect every phase of my journey. The unwavering support of my parents, the guidance of mentors, and my own dedication all merged to shape the teacher within. My story underscores the transformative power of education and its profound impact on shaping lives. I am proud to have fulfilled the promise I made at the age of seven. I remain committed to fostering a love of learning in those I teach.
Christmas is only four months away!
The calm before the storm
This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where everything seems calm and peaceful on the surface, but there is an impending crisis or upheaval that is about to unfold.
Stay tuned for the next post. Being ME and Becoming ME are transformed into MSelf.
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I wait to read your messages on your site! There is always something that speaks to me from what you write! For example, my granddaughter is going into grade seven this year and she has not done well in P.E. throughout her time in elementary school! She is an avid horseback rider, and use to love archery which she won awards in ! Instead of her having a positive time in P.E. she was singled out and to feel she had no abilities in P.E. So much depends on your teacher! That’s why knowing your love of teaching has always played a part in the firm respect I have for you, and the upheaval in your life finding out that you would have to chose to leave the job you excelled in through NO fault of your own! I PRAY MY GRANDDAUGHTER WILL FIND A GREAT P.E. TEACHER AS SHE ENTERS GRADE SEVEN! I pray someone will make her feel SELF WORTH if she does her very best! Perhaps this will help her realize she may not be great, but she can still have fun! Teachers have so much to deal with in schools now a days, but I believe you can tell a great, awesome teacher, compared to the ones that took teaching and later found out they don’t belong in this SPECIAL FIELD! Teaching demands commitment to all kinds of kids to bring out the very best! Each child that comes into your life demands something different from you! You have to have an undying passion for teaching, which you Patti were born to teach, and the strong love of teaching just blossomed in you thanks to your parents, and teachers like Mrs Twa! The think I love is that even though upheaval was to cause you to have to completely change your profession, you grabbed the bull by the horns and are now a shining light in so many lives with your brilliant guidance it what it takes to live a fulfilling life despite shitty breaks that robbed you of what you were amazing in the Teaching Profession! You are now a BRILLIANT LIGHT IN MY LIFE, AND I WOULD RECOMMEND YOUR SITE TO ANYONE WITH OR WITHOUT OTHER ISSUES IN THEIR LIVES! It just picks you up and guides you to find solutions in your life, be it Autoimmunity disease, depression, and all things that seem to disrupt our lives! Each time I read your papers, I learn something about myself that makes my life easier! And each time I reread papers that you wrote some time ago, I learn something new! SO VERY GRATEFUL TO YOU PATTI! KEEP WRITING AND SPEAKING OUT TO HELP PEOPLE! You are teaching me that I can make my life better by offering me such amazing advice! THANK YOU! Love ya!