Day Two! - 30 Day Challenge

Something you feel strongly about


I'm not very emotional about anything right now, or rather nothing comes to mind, although I know if someone starts to talk to me about some pertinent issue I'll get riled up.

I think I'm going to settle on the education system in Saint Lucia, or to narrow it down and relate it to me I will look at teaching and me. I taught for two years before coming to university and I honestly loved it. Many days I wished I didn't stop but everything happens for a reason right? The power I had as a teacher was amazing and I don't think I abused it. The passion I had as a teacher surpasses any passion I have while in class becoming an environmentalist. It really makes me wonder whether being an environmentalist is my second passion or third. I won't answer that because I think I know the answer. Anyways. I was an untrained teacher when I began, fresh out of community college and a sweet 19 among 16 and 17 year olds. Even though I was fairly young I found a way to command respect from my students and I even commanded it from my peers as well.

I loved teaching because I felt like I was making a valuable contribution to my country. I felt like I was responsible for shaping an portion of an entire generation of people and even though I lasted only two years, I hope that the minor changes I began are carried by all my students throughout their life. The power of a good teacher is amazing. Teachers inspire and mold so many young people. I strongly believe that if you're not strong enough to bare it, leave it, regardless of whether you've been in it for years. One of the best compliments I have ever received in my life is not about my dancing, or getting a 90% on a lab of mine. It's hearing a trained colleague of mine say you were one of the best teachers this school has ever had. It means so much to me to know that not only do my students see that I tried very hard to make them the best I could make them be, but my peers also noticed my hard work as well. Again I say I love teaching. Maybe I will go back when I graduate. Find a way to do it. Who knows. We will see.

Teachers shape the world. Much respect to all the hard working and passionate teachers out there. If you're a teacher and you're not passionate about what you do, trust my untrained ass when I say get out. Don't stay and frustrate yourself or mess up a generation of potential.


What do you feel strongly about? Please do share!