It's amazing where life takes you.
I started my journey 20 years ago at UVCC to become an elementary school teacher. I always wanted to be a school teacher. At the time, UVCC didn't have a program in Elementary Education of their own but was working on offering one through Weber State University. Through a series of events I was unable to complete my degree in Elementary Education because the program wasn't ready when I completed my Associates Degree and a lot of the classes I already took didn't transfer over. As a result I went to hair school to become a hair stylist instead.
After doing hair in a salon for several years, I was given a chance to work in the field of construction where I have been employed for the last 10 years. I have enjoyed all of my experiences and opportunities I've had but have always wanted to go back and finish my degree in education. Due to the downsizing economy, my position was eliminated in construction and I was laid off in December 2008.
After I was laid off, I came to UVU to see how many credits I had and what it would take to complete my degree. I've heard so many wonderful things about the Education Program at UVU and love the fact that I'll be able to finish my degree at the University that I attended when it was only a Community College. I was wonderfully surprised to find out that everything I started earlier carried through and that I was able to start right away into the program. The academic advisers have been great and have helped me work everything out to be able to start up immediately on my new journey.
My sister was in the first graduating class for Elementary Education at Utah Valley State College and had a great experience. She's a wonderful teacher. I look forward to being a teacher as well and am proud to be a part of the program now through UVU to finish what I started 20 years ago.
2. What motivates you?
I am a goal oriented person. There's nothing like the feeling of accomplishment I receive when I reach my goals. When I decide that I want to accomplish something, I'll do everything possible to accomplish that goal. I like to set small goals to help me accomplish my large goals. I want to be successful at whatever I do. I'm not a half-way person. I won't commit to something that I don't intend to do. If I tell someone (or myself) that I'm going to do something, you can count on me doing it. I stand by my word.
3. Why do you succeed?
I take pride in my ability to be an organized person. I'm able to keep track of things that need to be done and follow them through to the end. I'm also not afraid to do new things. In my last job, I was promoted from data entry to department manager because I was able and willingness to learn new things.
I also believe that in order to succeed, you need to not be afraid to try new things. This doesn't mean that everything you do will be successful. Just as long as you are able to take what you learn from past experiences and failures and build upon them to make the next experience a success.
4. Why do you fail?
The times that I fail the most are when I don't have enough confidence in my abilities and let the fear of failure prevent me from trying new things. I also find failure when I let what other people say about me stop my progress. As a child, I had a piano teacher who told me that I can't read music. Instead of trying to help me learn how to read the music, she let me use that as an excuse on why I wasn't a good piano player. Because of this I eventually stopped taking lessons and haven't really progressed beyond that.
5. How do you need to change your motivations and mindset for this class in order to become a great teacher?
I need to have confidence in my abilities and not only believe that I can succeed in this class, but also as a teacher. I also need to work with everything I have to be successful. I know that my organizational abilities will help and that I have the support I need from family and friends who believe in my abilities.
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