Running Head: AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL ESSAY

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Autobiographical Essay Meg Roe Dr. Egbert Education 201 Foundations of Education Summer Online

AE Autobiographical Essay My background and participation in life has uniquely prepared me for being an educator. In this essay, I am going to talk about my education, work history, service and extracurricular activities, the reason I chose education, and my career goals. Educational Background

I was homeschooled for most of my elementary education, with the exception of 3rd and 4th grades, where I attended a private school. For middle school and high school I attended two different cooperative schools. I attended classes every other day, doing work at home the alternate days. One of the cooperative schools was associated with a classical education academy and through them I took Roman history, Greek mythology, Shakespearean literature, and medieval literature as well as Latin and logic. The other cooperative school I attended offered math, science, foreign language, and writing classes; all of which I attended. For my post-secondary schools I have attended Boise State University, College of Western Idaho, and College of Southern Idaho, and am currently pursuing my elementary education associates degree. I plan on graduating in the spring of 2012. I believe my varied education has given me a love of learning and the ability to teach myself. My philosophy of education has been greatly influenced because of my ability to understand history and culture. As a professional, I will bring my educational background into my professional life by thinking outside of the box, and doing things differently than the normal teacher would. Education should be enjoyable; learning and being able to apply it to life. I will be the kind of teacher who can take a subject and make it come alive for my students. When students see a purpose to learning and can make the education personal, education comes alive.

AE Work History I have had many different jobs, all of which I chose because I thought it would be interesting or fun. I worked in a bookstore stocking book shelves. As a hot air balloon chaser

where I aided in put up and tear down of the hot air balloon as well as following in the chase car. I was a valet where I drove others cars, parking and retrieving them without any problems. I worked as a runner in a law firm where I did many clerical jobs and served people legal paperwork. My favorite job and the one which caused me to go back to school was a nanny position where I worked with a little girl. I worked with her for 3 years, until she went into Montessori school. I loved being a part of her world, teaching her personal responsibility, love of books, experimenting in the kitchen, shopping, and crafts. While working with her, I realized teaching can come in many different forms, and is important for all ages and stages of life. She was a little bit older than a baby when I started and it was intriguing to see her grasp and understand the world around her. I spoke to her as if she understood everything I said, and because of this, she rose to the occasion. We were able to communicate at a much higher rate than is expected of young children. I believe each of my jobs have helped prepare me for a future in education. They showed me that I love expanding myself. I am not satisfied with positions that do not affect and influence peoples lives. The nanny job helped me realize that people are the most important. Teaching marries my love of children, education, and valuing peoples lives. To be a good teacher, I need to always keep these values in site. Service and Extracurricular Activities I have been involved in many service areas. One major accomplishment was achieving the Bronze Congressional Metal Award, one of only two Congressional Awards, the other being the

AE Congressional Medal of Honor. I achieved this award by completing over two hundred hours of

service to our community. I worked alongside a service club whose primary goal was to enrich our community by being involved in community programs. I have also volunteered with various youth camps, programs, and overseas volunteer trips. Volunteering has taught me to respect those around me and has given me a greater understanding of the world. I believe having a global perspective and compassion for others is vital for teaching the students of today. We are in a global economy and it is important for all people to understand the United States is not the only country nor is it necessarily the best. We are all different and we should all value others. Reasons for Choosing Education as a Career In high school, I had a wonderful teacher who challenged me, encouraged me, and led me into a greater love of learning. He is one reason I started thinking of education as a career. The other reason is the little girl I nannied and the fulfillment it gave me to teach and work with her. I started college for elementary education when I was 22 and have been working steadily toward my goal ever since. I have worked in many different arenas and have decided on a few things I never want to be, such as a medical professional or to work in retail. I decided teaching was my route and I have not looked back. I anticipate challenges and bumps along the road of teaching, yet I also envision seeing a students light bulb go on and being there for a student to encourage them to be better. I truly believe teaching is an honorable and noble profession and I hope to live up to that expectation. Professional Goals My long term goals include attending a university and completing my education degree. I would love to work at a magnet or charter school as a 3rd or 4th grade teacher. The process and

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steps to achieve this goal will be transferring my AA to a university, completing my education, and establishing a relationship with the school at which I desire to teach. My short term goals are to complete my AA and take a break from education to spend time with my own 3 year old son who is growing very fast. I want to take the knowledge I have gained through education and put it to work with my son. I have enjoyed understanding the different types of learning styles and curriculum. I am already quite involved with his early education and plan on putting together more curriculum for him before he goes to kindergarten. Conclusion I am thankful for my rich and varied background in education, work history, service and extracurricular activities. I believe the reason I chose education and my career goals are honorable and will put me on the right course to becoming a successful and professional teacher.