Introduction

ABOUT ME

I am currently a senior at FGCU and transferred here last year from FSU. My major is Child and Youth Studies and I will be graduating in Fall 2013. I transferred because I could not find a major I loved at FSU and I changed my major way too many times. When I decided to transfer I also found my desire to become a pediatric nurse. But, I still had so many prerequisites to complete before I applied for nursing school. So, I decided that while I was taking the prerequisites I would obtain a bachelors degree that would be useful in the future. I have always wanted to work with children and realized that Child and Youth Studies would prepare me well for becoming a pediatric nurse. Since I chose this major a little later, this is only my second semester of education classes at FGCU.

I am originally from Davie/Cooper City area in Broward County where I am currently living and commuting once a week to Fort Myers. I work as a waitress at a restaurant called Smokey Bones when I am not in classes or doing work for school. I do not have much experience with children in the education setting aside from observation assignments, but I did volunteer as a cheerleading coach in my hometown through out high school. I worked with children ages 6-13 for about 10 hours each week, so I definitely gained experience in learning the pros and cons of working with children.

As for my family, I live with my parents in Cooper City. My mom was always involved in PTA and yearbook staff when I was young, and I think that experience has shown me how important it is for students to have their parents involved in their school. Also, I have a younger brother who is a sophomore and attends FGCU, and a sister who will be graduating from high school this year! My boyfriend, who I have been dating since my freshman year of high school, is a student at FGCU, as well, and will soon get his degree in Forensic Studies.

 JOURNEY TO TEACHING

Growing up I always wanted to be a teacher. I think that had to do with the fact that I had such incredible elementary school teachers and I wanted to be just like them. My teachers in elementary school taught me everything I could have needed and always encouraged me to do my best. And, I always wanted to be that person to someone else. But, once I reached high school, I also developed a passion for the medical field and health. When I first reached college, I went back and forth between education, athletic training, sports management, and public health. And, then before I transferred here to FGCU, I decided to blend those two passions into my perfect future career, pediatric nursing.

For the purpose of these education classes, I like to think about what grade I would want to teach and what I would do in my classroom so I can get the most out of what I am being taught. I am glad I will be getting a degree in an educational field so that if I change my mind, I am able to still have a career in something that I love. I have such a passion for working with children and being able to witness them growing. I can only imagine that knowing you have made an influence on their life must be the most rewarding feeling in the world.