I finished the requirements for my first degree in the spring but I am going back to school next term to become a high school chemistry teacher. I get mixed results when I share this with people I know... its either oh ya youd be great at that (my mom and most of my good friends) OR wow I had greater expectations for you, dont you want to be a chemist, youre too "smart" to just ( i think by this they mean I'm too analytical and suck at working with people). To me, it takes a unique amount of audacity to tell someone you think they'd be horrible at a career they're seriously considering for themselves especially when conversations go like this (this is an actual conversation I had last saturday):
Me: Im thinking about going back to school next term to become a high school teacher.
Person I will not name, lets call him B: Oh wow I never would have pictured that
Me: Yeah, Its only 45 credits and I really enjoyed tutoring in college, plus I love chemistry so I think Id really enjoy it.
B: Maybe, except I always saw you working in research. I think thats where youd be happiest.
Me: Yeah, I dunno... I think its different but I will still enjoy it.
B: I mean, I don't mean to be offensive, I don't think youd have the patience and compassion to go slower for the not so gifted students so I feel like you'd end up hating it. (p.s. folks anytime you HAVE/think to yourself/want to say "I dont mean to be offensive/rude," youre being offensive and unless you're talking to a your mom, dad, sibling or your best friend, you should probably just shut your mouth)
then I change the subject, make a little small talk and normally walk away.
I mean who are you to tell me what id be happiest doing?? Shouldnt I make that decision for myself? Not to mention that I telling me you think I'm not patient/understanding is just rude. Period. I truly believe I will enjoy this career and it would be easier to travel around the world with my husband than doing research which is highly competitive and you just cant move around if you want to be taken seriously. Sorry to crush your dreams for me.
Personally I think that it takes a lot to be a good teacher. There are a lot of bad teachers out there. We all have had them, so if you think that you have the drive and the patience to pursure something as challenging as this then go for it. If you don't you will always be stuck with the what if's. I have a lot of those. They suck. I think that you have a hard time with people who should get something and don't (espically if its simple) but you have always had no problem explaining something to someone if they ever simply just said, "yeah, I don't really understand that," or "I don't get it," which I am fairly sure I have said to you on numerous occasions. So frack that person for trying to put out your flame. It's only 45 credits and will take up some time for you, and the worst thing that can happen is you get another degree to add to your resume. DO IT! p.s. sorry for my terrible spelling!
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