And so the student finally became a teacher. A strange experience, I have to say, but nonetheless quite satisfying; especially seeing as this had been my dream since more or less... err... I first heard my mom tell me stories about her own teaching experiences when she was one. It all really sounded so much fun -- a lot of hard work, mind you, but fun. I guess topping this off with low pay (at least as far as Norway is concerned) will give you even less of a reason to become a teacher. However, what influenced me at the end of the day was not only Mom, but also the teachers that I've had over the years since Elementary up to this day. Many of these people had this kind of twinkle in their eyes, this kind of glow while they taught us. They were really "in to" the subjects they were teaching and had this vigorous enthusiasm that rubbed off on all of us -- at least as far as yours truly is concerned. That and the willingness to listen to us pupils/students to better their classes and adapt their skills to better suit our own skills and personal characteristics. All of this is what I admire in these people. All of this has influenced my decisions in life. All of this fueled the fire, if you like.
My parents have also been a huge influence on me. They have always been influential and supportive of me in whatever decision I've had to make in life. Influential in the sense that I've always listened to them when they told me about their experiences in life and their advice based on that and their perception of me. This may perhaps sound a tad controversial to some, but for me this has been more of a positive influence rather than a means of "brainwashing" me into becoming what they want me to be. (There is a difference. :-)) Consequently my parents have also been supportive in the sense that they have let me evolve into my own person, if you will.
Um, I don't really know why I write this here, but I guess I just wanted to get this down on... err... pixels? Yeah, that works.
Signing off (@ work, for now),
Elise
3 comments:
Wow a wonderful post! And again; congrats so much on becoming a teacher. Being a teacher is not THAT badly paid, not if you compare it to being a social worker for instance, like me. I mean, the highest I can expect to learn is the starter wage of a teacher. Yes, you do have a year more (if you go to ordinary "teacher's school"), but still. But I guess we can both close with the fact that neither of us will become rich in our chosen professions. Money isn't everything, but it helps, especially in an expensive country like Norway. I think it is great that you have been influenced by your parents. what I gather from that is that you had parents that cared and were there for you, and didn't leave you to your own devices... I have been greatly influenced by mine too, and I always appreciated and listened to their opinions as well, but was also always encouraged to be myself and to grow up not being scared of being myself, and to believe in myself. I think it gives us a solid ground on which we can build unto... Good luck with the master's. You'll do brilliantly dear!
Thanks! :-) Yeah, well, I believe we'll just have to settle with the fact that we're not exactly "in it for the money". The professions we've chosen are basically rooted in what we believe we can contribute with in society - what we believe we can give back. Perhaps it's more based on idealism than finances in that sense.
Influence by parents and other peers (but arguably parents in particular) is to me essential in choosing a career and a future after completing ones academic pursuits. I dare say we've been very lucky that way. Leaving your children to his/her own devices in choosing his/her future profession is to me abandoning one of the most important responsibilities one has as a parent. Merely believing that "the school will take care of that" and that the child himself/herself "will just have to figure that out on his/her own" is to me an appalling attitude. No matter what age you are and no matter what stage you are in your academic career (if you like), the importance of advice from as many people as possible is immense. Schools and their respective teachers can only do so much. If parents wish to do as much as possible in their child's interest, this does not mean merely leaving their child to its own devices in choosing a future and consequently abdicating in school-related issues. This means involving oneself in what the school teaches and advices the child AND combining this with their own experiences in giving their own advice to their child. Some parents have cracked that code, but there are all too many who unfortunately still haven't...
HUGE, HUGE congratulations on becoming a teacher - one of the most beautiful professions in the world. I wanted to be a teacher long time ago and it does happen that I regret to not going through with the idea.
I guess teachers are badly payed everywhere, because they are so in Russia as well as France. But it is still a profession of such love of knowledge that it becomes a life long passion.
I agree totally with Monsoon - you'll do great. You have everything that is needed to succeed in this field.
And this post is beautifully written and so humanly touching. I copied it to my personal files I keep for some good and beautiful things I find.
P.S. I opened my blog! Feel like I'm naked all of a sudden, but hey! I still decided to keep the blog this way :-D
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