Combining Two Worlds: Goal Reflection Essay
Why Choose Education? (Hint: I Love Science!)
I have always been intrigued to understand the world and environment around me. I grew up with a father that was always tinkering and figuring out how things work. I expanded this curiosity to the natural world around us. I truly enjoyed learning about anything and everything science- from how does the engine in our cars work, to what is the lifecycle of the cicadas I saw in my backyard, to analyzing the composition of rocks at the beach. Combining this passion of science and my love of school, I decided I wanted to pursue a degree in education. I wanted students to be as excited about science as I was, and I wanted to counter the bad reputation that science often has. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Michigan, focusing on mathematics and science. After graduation, I was commissioned into the United States Army Corps of Engineers. I entered active duty and completed five years of service in the Army.
Wait... Army Meets Education?
I realize that there may be a question of the relevancy between military service and education. Surprisingly, there are countless parallels and similarities. Many of the core responsibilities and skills required for the leadership positions I held, are also vital skills to have in the classroom. This includes organization, mentorship and building relationships, classroom management, long term and short term lesson planning, and effective communication. This experience also allows me to bring five years of on the job experience in the civil engineering field, correlating with the ever-increasing importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the classroom.
Initial Higher Education Goals
I am now excited to begin the second chapter in my professional career by reentering the education field. Having completed the Master of Arts in Education (MAED) program at Michigan State University, I will now be able to combine my formal education and work experience, and to begin my teaching career. Upon entering the program, my goals had been to specialize with dual concentrations in Science & Mathematics Education and in P-12 School & Post Secondary Leadership, actualize my teaching skillset and gaining new knowledge and understanding of the classroom and students. My long-term goals included gaining experience in the classroom, sharing my love of science with students, and earning an additional degree in educational leadership to potentially enter the administrative sector of education in the future.
Current & Future Education Goals
Now that I have completed the MAED program, my goals have remained nearly the same. I decided to focus on one concentration, P-12 School & Post Secondary Leadership, but am still committed to my goal of teaching science. My next focus is to gain as much experience teaching in the classroom as possible. Although my goal is to be in a science-based classroom, my family and I are continually moving, so my goals need to stay quite flexible. I am willing to gain experience in a variety of classroom environments. I am excited to finally use the knowledge I have gained from my undergraduate and graduate degrees, and the experiences I acquired in the military, to positively impact students and the classroom!
