I believe children are like fireworks, waiting to be lit. I want to help light them, both to discover their hidden talents and to explore what they can do when they burst forth upon the world. 

I am attracted to teaching because I want to inspire students to discover their passions and hone their talents, to arouse inquiries and enable them to better serve their communities. As an Education Assistant, Tom was one of my students with a learning disability. (The actual name of the student has been replaced for privacy). I’ve had the privilege to work with him every class to critically analyze and solve problems. Though Tom initially feared math, through the joint effort of his perseverance and my support, he grew to overcome academic challenges, and developed his character as he gained greater resilience. To me, Tom was a dormant firework that sparkled with self-confidence and academic ability. Through this experience, I learned that I want to continually ignite the restless passions in my students; I yearn to help students work through whatever learning difficulties and academic challenges they have, to provoke critical thinking and inquiry; I aspire to challenge students to grow both academically and personally; and I encourage students to engage with their community so as to contribute their intellect and character. 

It takes a while before a teacher can see their students launch with their restless creativity and potentiality, but this particular challenge is why I find teaching rewarding and joyful. I want to encounter another Tom who abandons his fear to take on the challenges of growth. I want to ignite passions in my students so they can burst into light into the deep sky of endless possibilities. I pursue to grow as a teacher.