A Major Change

"I have realized that I wanted to be a teacher for the wrong reasons. While helping others is a noble pursuit, it can beocme a means of self-destruction; when you can't help yourself."

Before I graduated with a degree in Communication Arts with a concentration in Journalism, I was an Education major. For the vast majority of my academic career, starting in sixth grade, I had my goals set.

"I was going to be a teacher," I said to my parents, counselors, teachers, and even my college applications.

Despite attending classes on the Introduction of Special Education and completing a semester of student-teaching, I came to the realization that the major wasn't right for me. I couldn't imagine myself teaching in four years when I graduate.

So, I made a major change in my career goals.

Thus, I majored in Journalism and minored in English to allow the possibility of teaching in the future.

Changing my major has led to my greatest potential. I have begun to fall back in love with writing and reading, which was something I had lost during the WV Teacher's Strike of 2018, my Senior year of high school. I gain friendships throughout my time in the communication program at Concord University and I feel I connected better with the instructors/professors, and the course material than any lesson plan as an aspiring teacher.

I have realized that I wanted to be a teacher for the wrong reasons. While helping others is a noble pursuit, it can beocme a means of self-destruction; when you can't help yourself.

I wanted a job with security that allowed me to be creative and integrate my hobbies into projects — not just the curriculum.

Teaching at the time was not right for me and I'm thankful to my past self for realizing what was best for our future.

Maybe, I will become a teacher — someday— but for now I'm a communication professional seeking employment.