Running Head: AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL

Autobiographical Essay
Franco, Kelsey #8
Instructor: Dr. Egbert
EDUC. 201: Foundations of Education
Fall 2014

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Abstract

This paper explores experiences that led to the decision and choose of education as a
career. Exploring the reasoning as to why educations appeals to the author. Through-out the
essay listed topics will outline and discuss in depth many aspects in day to day life that ignited
the spark of wanting to become an educator. What the purpose of education is to this specific
individual and why it matters to them. Insight that explains the significance of why becoming an
educator was an impactful choice.

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Autobiographical Essay

Working with students and helping them develop mentally and emotionally gives me a
feeling of importance and meaning. Being able to guide someone towards their full potential is a
very impactful and unforgettable moment. I realized that becoming an educator could give me a
foundation and outlet to help teach people their value. Through education I can teach children
that with a strong mind they can accomplish anything. Teachers in my prospective are
individuals that strive to help others. Teachers seem to see those individuals that dont see
themselves and then encourage them to strive for greatness. I strongly believe in the power of
education. Through teaching I have an opportunity every day to make a difference.
Educational Background
My education started in Head Start where my love for learning first developed. I
attended Head Start for two years and then I began my schooling at Wells Elementary School
and remained there for kindergarten through sixth grade. During elementary school I got lost in
the shuffle and my love for education diminished. In the town I grew up in the educational
system was very bias towards certain individuals and I didnt feel equal to the majority of my
classmates. Therefore, I tried to make up for my lack of self confidence in learning through
exceling in sports. The lack of belief I had in myself hindered my educational growth. When I
transferred to Wells Combined School for seventh through twelfth grade I didnt believe in my
ability to learn.
Once I began high school I focused more on sports like many others, and I lost sight of
the purpose for studying or applying myself. But my junior year I began to remember how
important education is and how privileged I am to have the opportunities I have. I realized how

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important education is to me. I am very passionate about the power education possesses. I cant
wait to work in a field with others that believe in education. I want to teach kids that they are
smart regardless of what they think, and that they are capable of learning.
As of now I am currently enrolled at The College of Southern Idaho, where I am working
towards receiving my Associates of Arts Degree. After I graduate from CSI and receive my
associates degree I plan on transferring to Boise State University, where I will work towards
earning my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education.
Work History
Coming from such a small town gaining job experience in places other than fast food is
very rare. Thats exactly where my first job was in, the fast food industry. Working at Burger
King and dealing with people who werent happy with their job gave me the desire to further my
education, and desire to have a career. I decided that there had to be other job experiences than
just food. With this in mind I decided to gain a new type of experience. I then applied for an
internship at The Wells Band Environmental Department. This internship was for the duration of
the summer, and it was the job that had me debating education as a career.
These two experiences gave me insight on how I wanted to live my life. Working in two
completely different atmospheres I was able to form the desire to have a career not just a job. I
was given insight on how working alongside others when you enjoy doing something isnt a task.
I was given the opportunity to compare and contrast two completely different jobs and decide
what was better suited for me.
Both jobs supplied me with good and bad experiences. Working at Burger King taught
me patience and the value of teamwork. Working at the Environmental office taught me self-

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sufficiency, and how to take an idea and turn it into something that can be valuable to others. I
enjoyed working with my community members, and creating workshops for the kids. Being a
part of something that opens the eyes of others gave me a feeling of importance. From these
experiences I learned how to prioritize my time while under a lot of pressure. All of these skills
will be helpful to me as a teacher.
Service and/or Extracurricular Activities
I was a part of multiple different extracurricular growing up. In elementary school I was
involved in girl scouts, and soccer. Once I began fifth grade I began getting involved in
volleyball, softball, basketball, the art club, and band. Upon entering high school I choose to
participate in golf rather than volleyball, be an active member in art club, play softball, and I also
sang in choir for a few years. Having so many different experiences shaped my acceptance of all
the different types of people there are. Being a part of all of these multiple teams taught me how
to work with others to reach a common goal. I was forced to figure out an effective way to
manage the things I enjoyed doing with balancing education and school.
I have recently joined the TEACH Club on Campus yet I havent been able to be as
active as I hope to be. Although, I am really excited about the club and I hope to be able to attend
the upcoming meetings. I cant wait to be given opportunities to help the community. Im also
excited to get involved in fundraising and charity work. The experiences from all of these
extracurricular activities will help me as a teacher because I will be able to work well with others
and be accepting of everyone. I am also able to voice my thoughts among a group of people
without being overpowering. I believe in the benefits of working efficiently with others.
Professional Goal

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My short term goals as of now are to receive my associates degree at The College of
Southern Idaho. As soon as I earn my associates degree I hope to attend Boise State University
where I will work towards earning my bachelors degree. Once I obtain my teaching license I
would like to find an opening at an elementary school in Idaho, and begin my career. Making a
difference in the lives of others is very important to me and one of my biggest goals.
My long term goals include being an educator that strives to provide new concepts. I
hope to be the type of teacher who isnt afraid of new ideas and is always reflecting on their
methods of teaching. I do wonder if I will ever further my education once I begin teaching and
have a class of my own. Deciding to further my educational career will depend on where
education is at during this period of time. The factors of the education field once Im out there
might give me the desire and drive to want to become a principal. I believe in the power of
change. I believe that it only takes one voice to make a difference. Therefore, if I can spark a
positive change through going back to school to become a principal, I will without a doubt
further my education.
Reasons for Choosing Education as a Career
I have always had the desire to go into education but I didnt really know if becoming an
educator was for me. I knew I wanted to have a career that gave me a sense of pride and purpose.
Once I began aiding my senior year of high school I realized education was the career choice for
me. The part of my day I looked forward to the most was the hour I was at the elementary
school. Assisting in the growth of a child and watching them beam with pride when a concept
clicks is a wonderful moment not only for them but for me. There are these little moments when
I see my efforts impact a childs life and each moment is unforgettable. The possibilities of

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bettering someones life are endless in education. Thats why I choose education as a career; I
want to make a difference.
Education and becoming an educator allows for opportunities to make connections that
will encourage children to strive to better themselves. Education is a foundation that pushes
people to better their lives. I want to be an educator that triggers a childs curiosity and their
desire to learn new things. Teachers make a difference in students lives every single day, some
for the better, some for the worse. Educators possess the power to spark something within a child
that inspires them to value their inner worth. I want to be that teacher who makes a positive
difference in a students life; I will be that teacher.