Life has been a bit hectic lately. I have changed a few things around in my life that have thrown everyone's lives in our house up in chaos. It is not a bad change just changes that we are not used to. I finally got a "real" job. It is part time, but even part time means a lot of changes for us. Since the beginning of September, I have been working at Mt. Crest High School. I am one of their new ESL (English as a Second Language) aides in the ESL department.
Although I have a Bachelor's degree in business administration, I decided that I would love to pursue a teaching degree with an emphasis in mathematics and physical education. I know, shocker! I have heard from many that I shouldn't pursue Physical Education, but, my heart is in it and I would love to do this for a living. The math part, well, I have always enjoyed math and although I am average at it, I understand it and I love to "teach" it to the students.
When I saw the ad for the ESL position, I couldn't help but remember back to when I first came to the US and all the teachers and ESL aides who helped me. I applied knowing that the chances of me obtaining the job were slim. However, I was pleasantly surprised when they offered me the position. I was going to be one of two aides who will help all the second language speakers in the high school. The majority of the students I help are Hispanics like myself and most of them are from Mexico also! It makes me happy to be helping them.
My work days are a lot of fun. I attend classes with the students where I have the chance to take notes and then help them with their classwork and homework. Usually, I am in algebra classes for most of the day. 2(3x+18)=14-4(2x-10) are some of the usual things I see along with x^2+10x+25. Crazy stuff like this I get to see all day and then sometimes I get to come home and re-learn about it so I can go the next day and teach it to the kids. I love what I do. I really do. I love seeing the light in the student's eyes when they finally "get it". It is a rewarding job...very much so!
Definitely a change. But if you are happy, family will be too...once they get use to it. ;)
Posted by: Kathy | October 16, 2009 at 07:56 PM
As a retired educator, I can tell you with certainty that ESL teachers make such a difference in the lives of the children they serve. I'm so proud that you have chosen to do this.
Also, hope you have a very happy birthday! You deserve the best birthday ever for all you do for others.
Posted by: Brenda GA | October 17, 2009 at 11:00 AM
I know for certain that if I'd had a Math Teacher that loved their job and their students, I would have stood a chance at excelling in that subject. Alas, I hated Math and Math hated me. I'm so glad you'll be such a guiding force for the students at the High School. Your enthusiasm is infectious.
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Liz Anderson | October 17, 2009 at 12:34 PM
That is awesome!
Will you be helping them to learn English, or Math, or both?
Posted by: Jeannie | October 20, 2009 at 03:28 PM
Good for you for getting the part time job! I felt the same way last year when I applied for a part time job, why pick me since I had not worked in 4 years. Hang in there with the change.
Posted by: Stacie | October 22, 2009 at 02:16 PM