One of the reasons I want to become a teacher because of wantching my mother over the years.  She is a wonderful teacher and watching her over the years has inspired me.  Also my love for children.  What inspired you to teach?

Comments

[Lani]

Hi Jeleysa,

How fortunate you that your mom is a teacher and has inspired you to follow in her footsteps!!!

I have tried to recall what specifically inspired me to teach. Stories of inspiration are always better when someone can speak of one person as you can of your mother, or of an event that changed their lives. That was not the case for me. I can't say that one person was the inspiration. I remember fondly many teachers. I think it may have been the desire to touch lives in a meaningful way. The quote: "To teach is to touch a life forever." has always been one of my favorites. And I think that desire was a direct result of my life in our family; I was so fortunate to be loved and raised by parents who believed that our lives on earth should be used for a purpose bigger than ourselves. In fact, my father sent me this quote when I was young that I have treasured all my life:

“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.” ---George Bernard Shaw, Man and Superman, Epistle Dedicatory

It just seemed natural then that I should become a teacher.

Best,
Lani

[Tincher]

Jeleysa

Just like your mom, my mom also influenced me. In addition to my mom, my grandmother and several of my aunts were teachers. My mother always seemed to enjoy going to work and that stuck with me. However, other than observing family members, I really did not know what I was getting in to. I have been pleasantly surprised! I like students and I like teaching. It can be very rewarding.

Mrs. Tincher