What do you want to be when you grow up? by Ansley

What do you want to be when you grow up? by Ansley - May 2014 Scholarship Essay

What do you want to be when you grow up? The age-old question that I, like so many before me, have been asked from the very first day of school. Growing up as the big sister to three younger brothers, we passed the time by pretending to have school in our playroom. It was there that I fell in love with the idea of being a teacher. As I grew in knowledge of myself and the world around me, I discovered my passion for helping others with both simple and complex issues. I enjoyed all the subjects and was devoted to my teachers as they taught us lessons that we use in everyday life. My elementary and middle school years were a breeze and it was a joy to attend school every day.

I entered my high school years with my head held high in the seminars and tests to help us decide what career we would like to pursue. No problem for me, right? I’m going to be a teacher! I was proud of myself in knowing what I wanted to do in life when the majority of my peers did not. Being comfortable with my choice, I would gladly tell anyone who asked what my goal was in life. My friends and parents were very supportive, and I thought everyone would be. That was a mistake on my part. I finally answered the age-old question one too many times. You may ask who I gave my answer to: a teacher. I was told that I was too smart to be a teacher and that I did not need to waste my time in college to make so little money in my career choice. That was her advice to me!

At first I was caught off guard with such a direct statement. Why would one of my teachers say that about their chosen career? I honestly had no answer for her at the time and I’m sorry to say that I had no words to defend my career choice and the wonderful teachers in it. But it was not just that one teacher who told me this; I started hearing how teaching in education was not a good career choice anymore. Despite my unwavering interest in teaching, I was no longer sure of my career path. For a period of time, I was lost in pamphlets of various medical degrees, the salaries of successful engineers, and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs who started from nothing. I was never satisfied, though, with the way those careers were going to take me. I had to find something different to suit my interests again.

By now, I was a junior in high school. I was admittedly anxious about my future. I started thinking back to what my teacher and other adults had said to me. Was I going to let them divert me from my dream? Teaching is a passion of mine and not just in the educational world, but in any setting that allows me to help someone to meet their needs. I love helping to better others’ lives with knowledge that enriches, knowledge that heals, and knowledge that empowers.

Today, as my senior year comes to an end, my career choice IS clear to me. I have even defined the character of my resolve. I will have the courage of Daniel in the lion’s den when I have to face trials in my own life (Daniel 6). I will have the strength of will as the donkey – stubborn against what is wrong even as the one that prevented Balaam (Numbers 22) yet, humble like the one that carried Jesus into Jerusalem as King (Matthew 21). I will have an eye of purpose (Luke 2:30-31). My voice will proclaim truth (Matthew 3:17). I will be the best teacher that I can be. I honestly do thank the teacher who made me question my career choice; she ended up giving me the best educational advice that I have ever received. Thinking back on that conversation, I realize what she was trying to tell me: a teacher should understand their purpose and not let limitations stand in the way of improving someone’s life. Through my research and prayer, I can happily say that I look forward to my journey of becoming a teacher.