Introduction (cont.)

   

Why I decided to become a teacher?

 

    
     Becoming a teacher is not an easy choice, especially if you consider the fact of how the economy of Puerto Rico is in this area and all of the retirement issues that are at risk and the benefits that are being taken  away from our teachers. The responses we (Teacher candidates in P.R.) get when we tell people we are studying to become a teacher goes everywhere from a pity look in their face, a speech of how there's no money there' to a "compliment" like, "You look like a smart girl, you still have time to change your mind". All of these examples have been from my personal experience, and I'm pretty sure I'm not alone. My classmates and peers have gone through similar experiences. And yet, here we are one semester away to graduate. I'm sure all of these people that said those things to me said it with a good heart and have their point here and there. It's true, teachers in Puerto Rico don't get paid a lot; then, why do I want to become a teacher in midst of such a hard situation? It's definitely not money driven reason, though I will get paid and hope that never changes!

     I decided to become an elementary teacher because this is when and where I can at least try and stop the problems. What problems? Society breakdown issues like: school desertion, bullying, violence, criminality, drug abuse, poverty, suicide, and so on. It may sound like I'm describing some kind of superhero, I probably am. A students needs a teacher that will motivate them and educate their minds and hearts. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said: "Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them become what they are capable of becoming." I believe what I was told in my university throughout my whole bachelor, teachers are agents of change. A teacher is not someone to be looked down upon but up. Teachers are essential to the students lives and we help shape values and morals in these kids. We can prevent future criminals and prisoners. Teachers carry the weight of thousands of students that pass through their classroom and learn. It is gratifying to be a part of change and save lives by saving the minds first, why wouldn't I want to become a teacher?