Influences by fate....

I moved to New Zealand in 2006 and the opportunity to work in a pre-school presented itself. Something inside me said do it. I had an amazing time working with these children and watching them progress over the year. It was inspiring to watch them connect with me and see the influence I alone had on them.

Prior to my year in New Zealand I had recently graduated college and had been working as a freelance graphic designer in Portland. When I returned I worked for a small company in SW Portland as a designer, which I enjoyed but found myself comparing it to my experience in the pre-school. I found it stimulating contributing to these children's learning and I had a hard time finding a days work as a designer to be as rewarding.

Both my parents are teachers and I have quite a few friends in the Portland area who teach and love what they do too. After some time and reflection on how remarkable it felt while working with children I started spending time in 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms. When I was younger I wasn't keen on following in my families footsteps, I wasn't sure if it was my calling. But after entering a classroom full of young people I felt the impact I had on them and could see the difference I as an assistant could make. That's when I got started filling out applications...

I feel so fortunate to be here and to have been placed in cohort 3. I truly can't imagine a different group of people to be working with. After these few weeks and the amount of material we've digested, I know there is much more to learn and consider. The most important part of my future will be to find a way as a teacher to make a difference. My goals are to hopefully make a lasting impression on my students that will eventually grow into something more among families, fellow teachers, even communities. I know this will take time but that is why I am here.