Motivational Blog

Why are you here in the teacher education program in this class at UVU?
For fifteen years I have had the dream of going back to school and eventually becoming a kindergarten teacher. During those years, I raised my children, supported my husband through numerous job transfers, and collected books, games, puppets, manipulatives, and ideas that I planned to eventually use in my kindergarten. Finally, after settling our family in a permanent location, I returned to school with my dream in mind in the fall of 2007. I have finally arrived in the teaching program and look forward to each step that brings me closer to my dream.

What motivates you?
Having returned to college after a twenty year absence, I have found the university learning experience to be exhilarating and rewarding. I truly love learning and understanding more about the world around me. Although at times college life can get extremely challenging, I find that I look past what is causing the challenge and visualize myself teaching my own kindergarten class and know that I can make it through the temporary setback. Additionally, I have a grand cheering section back at home, encouraging me in all my endeavors.

Why do you succeed?
I am internally driven to do well in what ever I set out to do. Usually this included a lot of hard work, effort, encouragement, and a few occasional tears. Hard work usually pays off and you are rewarded for your efforts.

Why do you fail?
If I allow myself to become overloaded and allow discouragement to creep into the corners of my life, I can begin to question my ability to succeed.

How do you need to change your motivations and mindset for this class in order to become a great teacher?
Being driven by perfection can be a debilitating force in my life. As I begin this challenging teaching program, I need to keep my focus on the big picture of becoming a kindergarten teacher and realize I cannot or need not be perfect in all things. I am here learning to become the great teacher I hope to be one day. This learning process might include some missteps along the way from which I can learn from as well.