One year ago, my life-changing journey began, involving seven unique teenagers: Richard, Vincent, Daniel, Joey, Nick, Billy, and Dikembe.
After graduating from college with my Bachelor’s in Secondary Education, I struggled with finding a job. I practically thought it was the end of the world. Sometimes those negative thoughts occur but I am quickly reminded of how lucky I am for receiving a special opportunity. I accepted an instructional assistant position in a high school Autistic-support classroom. The first week was rough. Being that I knew absolutely nothing about Autism or Special Education for that matter, I did not know what to expect. Reality struck me and it was painful: one student flopped onto the floor and continuously squeezed the lead teacher while another screamed due to struggling with a task. One student used a talking device because he was non-verbal while another wore head phones often because of the high level of noise. The first thought that flashed in my mind: how could I have been so oblivious towards special needs children?
It was during that year when my thoughts and perspectives on teaching had suddenly changed. I didn’t want to be just a teacher. I aspired to be the teacher that goes above and beyond in meeting the needs of ALL students.
I would be lying if I said there are days that I don’t dream of having my own classroom or perhaps teaching general education; however, I also would be lying if I said it would be easy to leave my students. They have impacted my life in such a significant way. They have taught me more than all the textbooks and lectures I received during college. People say, “Things always happen for a reason,” and I believe they were my reason.
My post-grad journey reminds me of a puzzle. I was never quite ready to become a teacher….until all the pieces fit.
Philadelphia, PA
