Learning to Be a Teacher

Choosing a career isn't easy for everyone. There are many obstacles that can get in the way, and life's choices often derail our interests and sometimes our dreams. Other times, the perfect career isn't everything you had hoped it would be, and sometimes a career turns out to simply be just a job. No matter the situation, doing what you enjoy and not what you can tolerate, will help you find the career that suits you best.

I made a few wrong decisions, but gained experience along the way. For quite a while, I had no idea what it was I wanted to do. I found myself in low paying dead-end jobs, just drifting along. I was lazy early on, and thought everything would just magically fall in place automatically down the road. I eventually learned from those mistakes, and took advantage of the opportunities around me to gain experience, no matter where I was. Remember, every little piece of experience counts, and it ultimately builds character.

Be realistic. Everyone has a dream career that can easily be erased by reality. It's ok to think big. If we didn't, we may not have any ambitions. The important thing to do is to keep a sense of reality in check while dreaming. Know your limits, your current situation, and your abilities. I followed some of my ambitions, and learned that sometimes personal risk is a good thing. It's ok to try something you've never tried before. If your biggest career hopes do not come true, the skill set can be applied towards a fun hobby, or a successful side-job. After a few jobs in the hi-tech field, I decided to study the arts and Theatre at a local college. Although I knew I wasn't about to head to Hollywood, I did know that I could apply the theories to other aspects of life, and possibly a part-time job. When time allows, I enjoy working part-time, acting on stage and in film.

Reflect and compile your experiences. It all matters; it really does. With plenty of hands-on experience in the hi-tech field, I drafted resume after resume. However, there was something missing. I found that by just simply listing my experiences, and what it was I enjoyed doing best, my resume had a direction. I realized that over time, I really enjoyed explaining and demonstrating things. I reflected on a time when I had the chance opportunity to substitute teach at a career college for a week. I capitalized on my work experiences and my communication abilities that resulted from my theatre education.

I found one small teaching job. With my foot in the door, one door opened another, which opened another. I eventually landed where I am today, as a professor at a local university, and I fully enjoy it.