Beginning with the end in mind has always been a strong suit for me. When I first took chemistry in high school my junior year, I fell in LOVE with the subject. My senior year I took a college level chemistry course which gave me college credit if I attended the University after graduation. I knew what my declared major would be, chemistry; I had NO doubt in my mind. I had friends that changed majors numerous times, but I kept my major the same during my 4 years in college. It wasn't until after I graduated college that my direct mind set wavered a bit in regards to where I wanted to go with chemistry. I made it successfully through college with the end in mind from the beginning, however the last few years have posed some challenges! After trying another graduate program for chemistry, I found I highly disliked it. After putting some thought into what I wanted to do, I decided on teaching and here I am!
As for the most difficult lifelong learning habit, I would say it would be the last one, play. Growing up I was very scheduled....I was a gymnast for 16 years and always was at the gym. I had to learn how to budget my time with school, homework, and practice! Needless to say, there wasn't a lot of time for play. Even after leaving the sport to attend college, I picked a major that was beyond demanding, it consumed my life. I have a type A personality, so I tend to do everything to the fullest and attempt to over achieve in what I do. With that said, I never have really played much in my life. My husband calls me an over achiever and sheltered, since to this day I don't really know how to "play". Being out of school for several years has allowed me to play and have more free time, however I still am uncomfortable trying new things! Now that I am working, in school, and married I seem to have even less time to play! However, I am going to make it my goal to get out and play, it really does give my mind a rest and makes studying easier!
As I worked on this blog, I realized I am a lifelong learner. When I wasn't in school, I found myself picking up random things to read about and learn about. I love the school setting and the challenges I face while attending class. I know with my love of school that I belong in the classroom teaching! I will always continue learning about chemistry and hopefully will be taught a few things by the students that I teach! Writing this blog, I realized how rejuvenated I feel about the path I am taking. I am excited to be back in school and look forward to learning about all the new technologies out there that I have never used! I know that I will be able to use many of them when I start teaching in the classroom!
I enjoyed your post. I found it interesting because I picked the same two articles. I liked your story about speaking French. I hope when I student teach I am with teachers wanting to try new things in the classroom, as opposed to being upset because of changes. As far as the article on technology, I can't wait to see what classrooms are like in 10 years.
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