I decided to go into teaching because I wanted to inspire students to think critically of the world in which we live in and wanted to support students throughout their educational journey. I feel blessed to be graduating after a long journey and grateful for all the opportunities, experiences, support, and people that impacted my journey at WOU.

I wanted to be a teacher to work with children and to help them see all that they can be, do, and achieve. Now that I am graduating I am excited to put that plan into action.

I became an educator because I truly believe that education is a powerful tool that can be exercised to impact our world in a positive way. Not only do I love the subject that I teach but I love that I support my learners in their growth and achievement of their goals. I am excited to graduate and to teach Spanish at McNary High School next fall. ¡Gracias a mis profesores, mentores, a mi familia, y a dios por esta bendición!

I chose to become a teacher to make a difference in the lives of children. Teachers have the potential to inspire and I want to be that person children can lean on for motivation or advice. Graduating is an accomplishment I am very proud of. I am excited about the future now that I have a career I love.

I decided to go into teaching because I have a passion for serving my community. My teaching journey actually started when I was an after school volunteer tutor for a high school and ever since then, I have been involved in education. I am thankful for the teacher preparation I have gotten through WOU and the Bilingual Teacher Scholars programs that I know will make me a great teacher.

Though graduation is about a month away it has still not hit me yet, but once the date starts to come around I know that I will be excited to know that I will be accomplishing my goal and can start looking forward to my first year teaching.

I got into teaching because throughout my school years I always had wonderful teachers. I also saw how impactful this job can be to so many young people. I am so excited to be graduating because it is a huge accomplishment for me and my family.

I knew I wanted to be a teacher after taking a teacher cadet class in high school taught by one of my favorite teachers, Mrs. Mba. Growing up I also had a lot of amazing teachers who supported me in many ways, and the idea of returning the favor to children in my community motivated me to pursue a career in education. After all the long nights of homework and long study sessions with my friends, I feel so excited to see all of my work pay off and to finally be graduating.

I decided to become an educator because I have seen the incredible impact teachers have in the lives of their students. I know that I have become the person I am today in part because of the amazing educators that have invested in my life! While I am sad to be leaving WOU and the community I have here, I am so excited to begin my career and create a safe community for my future students.

I had an amazing teaching my third grade year that showed me how it feels to be appreciated and respected. She taught with so much love and dedication and it changed how I saw school. She impacted my life and I will always be grateful for teachers. I just want to be that for my future kiddos.

I remember freshman year when I cried to my advisor as I saw how many classes I still had to take. 5 years later, I can't believe I'm going to finally graduate. If it wasn't for my parents sacrifices and support I wouldn't be where I am today. This isn't my graduation and degree, it's ours, mom and dad.

I am so excited to be graduating and can't wait to start my career as an educator! I got into education because I saw all of the opportunities that my education has afforded me and I had some amazing educators in my life and I want to be able to provide that for others.

I want my classroom to be a safe space for my students to grow as people, to learn, and to feel supported and loved no matter what. I'm going to miss WOU, Monmouth, and all of the amazing people that I have met here so much, and I am so grateful for all that WOU has given me.

I never really knew what I wanted to be once I was older, I just know that I love helping. I see teaching as a work of art, everyone is a different artist and every painting (classroom) speaks to each student in a different way. I want to make my classroom as welcoming and as comfortable as possible because in order for students to learn, they must know that it is a safe environment. I am excited to be a Spanish math teacher next year at South Meadows Middle School.

Ever since I was in middle school, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Being surrounded and encouraged by amazing teachers throughout school had inspired me to want to be a role model in my community. Previous teachers had worked hard to help me get to where I am, and I cannot wait to now be a helping hand in many students’ lives.

As a teacher, there's an opportunity to make an impact in their lives and it is the greatest learning experience. My greatest aspiration is to be that person that can motivate them to be better and to achieve their dreams by bridging education into their life. I am eager to contribute positively towards the education of the next generation of my community. To be graduating feels a little surreal for many reasons but I am expectant of the next season of my life.

As I grew up in school, I remember thinking to myself “why aren't there teachers that look like me?” I felt like my culture wasn't being represented and it made me more shy. I enjoyed my time at school, but I knew that there needed to be more teachers who were bilingual and bicultural! After volunteering and taking education courses, I developed a love for teaching children. I know that this career will be so rewarding and I am excited to begin this new chapter in my life!

‘If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, it goes to his heart.’ – Nelson Mandela

Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to become a teacher because I had great teachers along my education experience who inspired me to someday be able to help everyone and help them overcome their obstacles just like myself. I want to become a bilingual teacher because I want to be able to help support everyone and help them overcome all of their obstacles.

Going into school without knowing any English was frightening and very difficult for me and I can't imagine how every student who comes into school not knowing the language feels, probably similar to how I felt when I was younger. I want to be the teacher who they can go to if they are having trouble, I want to help them overcome any obstacles similar to the ones I went through and I want them to know that they are not alone and that everything they strive for they can accomplish, I want to change lives. That is the reason I am becoming a teacher.

I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was in first grade. My first grade teacher was an amazing educator and I always aspired to be like her. I truly enjoy working with young students and watching them grow academically. Helping them reach their academic goals is something that is so rewarding. It is an honor to be graduating and to work alongside amazing educators.