The Journey of Becoming an Educator

To fully understand my journey as an educator, it’s important to learn about my childhood experiences in school.  Growing up, I remember reading not coming easily to me.  I would read, but wouldn’t be able to tell you anything about the story.  I didn’t understand what was wrong with me.  I’m looking at the words, sounding them out, reading them aloud, so how come I don’t remember anything?  My best friend from kindergarten through 6th grade was one of the brightest kids in our grade.  She was in first grade, reading at a fifth grade level.  She even told me she could’ve skipped a grade, but her parents didn’t want her to.  Not only was she smart, but she was an amazing singer and pianist at the age of seven.  I envied her and always compared myself to her.  Why can’t I be as smart and talented as Hana?  On top of having a gifted and talented best friend, my sister was ordinarily smart as well.  She was similar to Hana with her quick ability to learn.  She ended up graduating second in her class.  Think about how I probably felt having a sister two years younger than me who could read better than me.  I struggled in school, but the closest ones around me never did. It isn’t fair. Something’s wrong with me.  

In eighth grade, I was placed in a math class with Mr. Trabulsi.  Mr. Trabulsi was a younger teacher and brought a lot of positive energy into the classroom.  He made learning math into a game.  There were teams, points, and a healthy competition.  I was eager to get to math class.  Not only was math fun, but it was beginning to click with me.  I get it! That makes sense. I can do that!  I finally had enough courage to believe in myself.  I like to say Mr. Trabulsi was a big part of that.  Because he believed in me, I did too.  

Although I still struggled in reading and writing, my confidence grew in math.  In high school, I did better in school and began babysitting, discovering my love for being with and teaching children.  My parents always said I liked being around younger children and taking care of them.  Towards the end of high school, I decided that I wanted to pursue my career in education.

In college, while taking my first few education classes, I became more excited for my future.  I’m going to be a teacher.  I couldn’t wait to start student teaching!  I learned so much and was finally able to apply everything I’ve been learning in my classes to real life.  Student teaching was a new experience each day and I had amazing mentors who taught me more than I could ever learn in a college course.  My experiences helped me to get my first position as a lead preschool teacher in the Bronx.  I loved working with young children, but missed teaching academics, which led me to my current position as a fourth grade teacher at an all-boys private school, provided to low-income families.

I love my job, my school, my administration, my co-workers, but most importantly, my students.  They drive me crazy from time to time, but they are the reason why I wake up each morning with a smile on my face.  I’m fortunate to work with children who are naturally curious and passionate to learn.  To see my students’ faces light up when they understood a math concept or got overly excited about a book they were reading is why I love my job more and more each day.  
It takes a teacher to help you see your potential and encourage you to believe in yourself.  I hope, one day, my students will be able to recognize their potential and say that Ms. Gilbert was one of their teachers who helped them to see that.  I want to make a difference in my students’ lives.  I want to not only be their teacher, but also a mentor, a helping hand, a role model.  I believe every child has the ability to be their best; they just need some guidance along the way from a person who cares about them and believes in them.