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Running head: AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL

Autobiographical Essay Adriana C. Snchez Instructor Dave Makings EDUC 201: Foundations of Education Fall, 2012 Autobiographical Essay

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Introduction The obstacle of finding a career is something we with which we are all faced one time or another. Fortunately I found this decision to be somewhat easy. There has never been anyone in my family who has been a teacher. Therefore, it was easy to decide to become the 1st teacher in my family. I have always had a love for both knowledge and children. I feel that the children of today truly are the future of tomorrow and the creators of what is to come. I want to be the one who influences children and tells them that they can be whatever they want to be and to guide them in making the right choice! Educational Background I attended pre-school at Valley Christian Daycare Center. As far as I remember I enjoyed staying there, for the fact that my mom worked in the cafeteria; so I saw her every day during lunchtime. I attended elementary school here in Twin Falls starting at St. Edwards Catholic School for 1st grade, after that I transferred to I.B. Perrine where I continued thru 6th grade. I enjoyed being in school, but the subject I did not enjoy was reading. I remember sitting in reading and just flipping through the pages as if actually reading. When we read in class and it was my turn to read, I would read slowly and quietly. My face grew a deeper shade of red the longer I had to read. Lets just say, I was never an avid reader. I attended Robert Stuart Junior High followed by Twin Falls High School. I graduated with my high school diploma in May 2005. It was a great accomplishment because I had my doubts that I passed my government class, it was just one of those gut feelings where I had the feeling that something went wrong in that class.

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Immediately following graduation, I became a full-time student at the College of Southern Idaho, where I majored in Computer Graphic Design. Computer Graphic Design was obviously not what I wanted to do in life. I started a semester of it, and decided to switch my major to Administrative Assistant because I enjoyed the office setting. I was Eric Studebakers work-study for at least a year and a half and enjoyed answering phones for him and filing papers. I almost finished with a Technical Certificate in Administrative Assistant, but was 3 credits shy. I struggled and repeated a class several times and became frustrated with it, so I decided to put that class off for while. I do plan to finish it here in the near future. I am currently working on my Elementary Education degree. If all goes well, and I pass my classes, and take summer courses; I plan to graduate December of 2013. Then my next feat is to obtain my Bachelors degree in that same field. After working with students these last few years, I have come to realize that I had really enjoyed working with them, which brings me to my next point. Work History My first job that I had was at the age of 15; I worked at the College of Southern Idaho in the cafeteria. My job title was "line server", so I served food to the dorm students that came through the line. I worked there for two years as well as being in high school. It was difficult for me to keep up on my studies after a while, so my senior year I quit in order to focus on my school work. I was a custodian at the Twin Falls Public Library and at the College of Southern Idaho, all while being a full-time student. I was definitely a very busy student. I tried to keep up with my studies as well as working. I worked the swing shift, and then had classes bright and early the next day. My Boot Camp class started at 6 a.m., which was my favorite class. Some of the other different "hats" included working at Taco Bandito, which was in the

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location that is now Burnt Lemon Grill. My title was a team member which entailed cleaning up and cashiering for the fast food restaurant. Ive worked at Magic Valley Speedway in the concession stand, Subway as a "sandwich maker" and "cashier", and a substitute in the kitchens in the Twin Falls School District. The job that caught my eye was the after-school program I worked in for two years. PALSTEP, Perrine and Lincoln Student Teaching Enrichment Program was two hours a day, Monday to Thursday. Some of the different duties I had in this job were to assist students with their homework if they needed help, this was similar to tutoring. Another duty I had here was to be the Physical Education teacher. The first hour the students were to split by grade level groups and focused on tutoring. The second hour focused on P.E. and Arts & Crafts. This is where I realized working in education was my future. From there on, I knew I wanted to work with students! I also work at the YMCA as a Child Development teacher and Babysitter in the Child Watch area with the children from the ages 6 months and 5 years old. I also am an Assistant Facilitator on the CSI Challenge Course here on campus. As I mentioned before, I enjoy working with children; so keeping them fit is a fantastic way to get to know them while working out. As far as the Challenge Course, its another way to network within the community. Talking them through an element is great practice for me. It pushes me out of my comfort zone when they are in their panic zone when I have to be telling them step-by-step what to do next. I feel so accomplished after they achieved the low or high element. I currently work at Oregon Trail Elementary School as the Migrant Paraprofessional. I strictly work with the migrant students; they are identified through a specific process and remain so for three years. After working here for a year one thing is certain; I really enjoy working with children at the elementary age. Nearly as soon as I started this job, a lady from the Education

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Department at CSI e-mailed me and told me about a program that offered scholarships to those who chose to go back to school and get the Elementary Education degree. So, I decided to pursue this degree. It wasnt a difficult decision because I enjoy the students immensely and feel they have a right to an education. I want to be the person in life they remember and say, "She made a difference in my life. I want to be the person who made a positive influenced in their life. Service and/or Extracurricular Activities Im not currently involved in any extracurricular activities or services at this time. I was this summer however. I was in a club called Program Board on our campus. Program Board is a club that puts on different event for our campus; such as bowling night, movie night, and skating night. We also bring in different types of entertainment for the student body. We have had comedians and bands at various times. I think its best that I am not in any clubs or extracurricular activities this semester. I just need to concentrate on the classes I have this semester. With jobs at Oregon Trail and the YMCA, my plate is full. I want to finish school as soon as I can so I can start teaching these children. Reasons for Choosing Education as a Career Since I began working in the Twin Falls School District, Ive come to realize how much I enjoy working with children. Helping them out makes me feel validated and happy. I feel great after I help them solve a problem or two. Listening to their random stories, some happier stories than others, makes me feel accepted and they know Im listening. I want to make a difference in a childs life. I want to influence these children with my heart and with knowledge they can carry with them forever. In working as a migrant paraprofessional, I work closely with Hispanic students. These

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children are full of energy and life. However, I have seen that fewer than 50% Hispanic students go on to higher education. I feel that I can set an example for these students; one that they can relate to. In working in the field with them day to day as ELL teacher I will be able to inspire them to see that they can achieve their dreams no matter the socioeconomic status. As early as elementary schools, I feel we should be encouraging them to reach for the stars. Finally, a career in education is a selfless job. I have seen firsthand how teachers work extra hours to make some idea comprehensible to a group of kids. How they work on the weekends and late nights. They do this, not because of the money, but to inspire and help students grow in knowledge and heart. They give all they have to the job, and I want to be a part of that type of system. I want to give my all to students with them. Professional Goals My short-term goal right now is to complete my bachelors degree in the field of elementary education; Im not so sure where I plan to transfer. Ive heard great things about Idaho State University about their Elementary Education program. I havent heard much about Boise State University, but who knows. Im just taking it one step at a time. Thinking about it too much overwhelms me a bit. When I look to the future, I see myself working at an elementary school here in the Twin Falls School District. All my family is here and I would love to stay close to them. Family is very important to me. I think that this is a great town to live in and raise my family in. After these last couple years, I think working with students is definitely the thing for me. Ive come to care for the children, as if they were my own. I have to be the teacher, but I wish to be a friend and mentor as well. I am ready to continue on the right path to become what I want, an English Language Learner (ELL) teacher!