My First Day as an English Professor by Brittany

My First Day as an English Professor by Brittany - October 2016 Scholarship Essay

I take my place behind the podium that stands in front of roughly fifty students. My first day here at the University. No, not as a student, but as a Professor. My dream has finally come true and I cannot wait to begin teaching and helping these students better understand literature and the English language as I once did in this very hall.
I chose to become an English Professor because it’s always been a dream of mine. Ever since I was a little gal in elementary school, I knew that English and the written word were the place for me. I knew I had to become this, not only for myself, but to educate our leaders of tomorrow, the students.
Whilst growing up in a small, average community, I never had many friends to communicate or play with. I found my refuge in books, in reading. I read as many as I could and before I knew it, I surpassed the public library selection and moved on to other community’s libraries.
My love for books and writing were helped in part due to my mother. She also loved to read. Every chance she got when she wasn’t busy, I could find her attached to a new book. We went to thrift stores and bought books, the sweet aroma of the yellowed pages became heavenly to me.
So, here I am today. An English Professor at a real University. I finally made it. I begin telling my students the main reason I chose this as a profession. “Hi guys, I’m your English Professor this semester. You can call me whatever you want, Professor Bauernfiend, or Brittany will do just fine. I bet you’re wondering why I’m here doing this as my job. Most people do. The main reason I chose this field is because reading is an escape, the written word and literature itself is a place that you can escape into when you’re scared or lonely, or even when you’re upset. So, here’s your first homework assignment,” the class groans collectively, “the next time you’re upset or angry and want to punch a wall or scream into a pillow, grab your favorite book from when you were younger, back when you were in middle school or even high school, and read a few passages. Set your mind to that instead of the anger itself.”
Know they know, now you know. The main reason why I became an English Professor is open to the world. I hope it helps you understand why this is such an amazing field and profession to go into. I hope you see reading and literature and writing in a semi-new light. I hope you read that book you’ve been putting off for weeks. Reading allows us to continue learning at our own pace and I hope everyone gets to keep learning.