First Person: Why I Chose to Be an Education Minor at St. Lawrence
From filling out “about me” posters that were displayed in the hallways of my elementary school to sharing my interests during the college search process, I always had a confident answer when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up—an elementary school teacher. I adored everything about my elementary school teachers. I thought (and still think!) my teachers were just the coolest of the cool. They got to set up their classroom, grade worksheets, create fun lessons, and best of all, they had power over the treat jar... and boy, did I want nothing more than to have power over the treat jar!
It wasn’t just the treat jar that lured me into this career, but my love for children. I’ve been surrounded by kids since I was just a tot myself at my family’s home daycare center. I carried my love of children into my first jobs as a coach and a camp counselor. I was set on being an elementary school teacher when I was six and I was surprisingly still set on being an elementary school teacher when I was 17. I didn’t waver one bit.
So as my high school years starting drawing to a close, I started my college search with the same goal in mind—to be an elementary school teacher. My guidance counselors kept leading me in the direction of elementary education-specific programs. Seemed like a no-brainer!
But for someone as certain about their career path as I was, I was surprisingly resistant to programs that focused specifically on my end goal. Deep down, I knew I wasn’t done exploring my many other passions. I wasn’t done discovering new interests. I wasn’t done learning about myself.
Ultimately, I chose St. Lawrence so I could pursue my career goals, while also rediscovering myself in the liberal arts. I believe that in coming to St. Lawrence, I have become a much more well-rounded individual. St. Lawrence gave me the opportunity to explore all my academic interests without the pressure of having to choose one discipline. In addition to my passion for elementary education, I discovered my love for environmental studies and sociology in my time here at St. Lawrence and decided to combine those two interests into one combined major.
Without a doubt, St. Lawrence has given me the time I needed to explore further who I am as a person and as a student. I know that my liberal arts background will be an asset in and beyond my career as an elementary school teacher.
I wholeheartedly believe that St. Lawrence is an excellent place to grow as a person and as a professional, whether you are dedicated to a career path, like I was, or are just starting to explore future career fields.
