Program, Year
School of Education
February 1, 2011
“For anyone who is uncertain about education, I recommend trying it out: Take a course and see where you go from there.”
Ever since I was young I could always imagine myself becoming a teacher, although teaching was not my first choice of a profession, but more of a back burner idea that never went away.
Coming to UC Irvine in 2008, I chose to major in mathematics because I wasn’t quite sure yet what I wanted to do for a living, but definitely certain that I loved math. I originally had intended to specialize in statistics and to perhaps minor in a health science, but I realized that in every case I was picturing myself teaching that subject. Following completion of my first year at UC Irvine I began to really consider teaching as a potential career. After learning about Cal Teach and the opportunity to earn my bachelor’s degree in math in four years while simultaneously working towards my teaching credential, I was sold.
Between coaching, tutoring, and being the oldest among my sisters and myself, I have always enjoyed teaching and helping people understand. Particularly in math, I have seen many students become discouraged and grow to hate math, generally as a result of frustration that usually stems from poor instruction. Helping these people understand and become excited about math has been a very satisfying and fulfilling thing for me that I just can’t get enough of, and it is because of my involvement in education that I am able to do this.
Since becoming a part of Cal Teach, I have been able to continue helping students realize their ability in math. As a participant in Cal Teach, I have been given the opportunity to teach students of all ages at local schools here in Orange County. In support of my teaching, I have taken multiple education classes, which have really trained me to be a successful teacher, and have educated me about the multi-faceted and sometimes challenging aspects of education. In addition, this past summer I had the opportunity to be a NOYCE intern, which allowed me to create informal science and math curriculum and teach it at the Discovery Science Center.
Overall, I look forward to finishing up my degree and hope to become a high school math teacher and possibly a simultaneous volleyball coach.
For anyone who is uncertain about education, I highly recommend trying it out – take a course and see where you go from there. For me, it was the education classes and Cal Teach that really helped me recognize my passion for education and teaching.