Introduction - 1

Hellooo You All!

As you may have already learned by my video, my name is Emily. I am currently a junior at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.I am studying to be an elementary school teacher as well as trying to pursue a minor in theater. I did not travel too far from home to study my major as I am from Pearl, Mississippi.

Elementary Education was not my first choice coming into college as a freshman. I was originally a theater major, but several paths later, and here I am studying to be a school teacher. I have always had a desire to teach. Anything, really. I am great with kids, as I have two nieces (ages 1 and 2) who I love very much. Most of you may think a teacher's number one job is to educate their students in the area of reading, writing, math, science, literature, etc. Yes, all of that is very important. However, I believe a teacher's number one job should be to help their students grow and become successful human beings.

When I say "successful" I do not necessarily mean a CEO of a huge corporation or New York Times best-selling author. While these are definitely huge accomplishments, they are not the "be-all, end-all" of success.

My definition of success means positively impacting the world around you. Whether a student becomes a janitor, a doctor, a mechanic, a waitress, etc., they have the ability to make an everlasting impact in someone's life. Children need to know that no matter where life takes them, they have the ability to be successful just by having the right attitude and spirit. Teachers are the encouragers for these children. The role models. The examples. And sometimes the only positive authority figure in a child's life.

So, yes. My students will learn the alphabet, a couple of math problems, and read some fascinating books. But most importantly... they will be loved; that is where success starts.

Until next time,

Emily