Conclusion

Conclusion

             I initially began coursework in February of 1999. My initial target date for completion of coursework was June of 2003. I was going for my bachelors of science in Kinesiology. This included an option in Secondary Physical Education. I completed my coursework in December of 2003.

            The two assessments that I found to be the most accurate and guide me to the exact profession that I am currently in were the Strong Interest Inventory (SII) and the True Colors assessment. The Strong Interest Inventory (SII) was surprisingly accurate and reflective of my personal interests and how they’ve manifested themselves in my career path. Looking at my SII results, Middle School, Secondary, and Elementary teacher were my top three careers listed. The True Colors assessment results were pretty accurate. My True Color result was Gold. Gold is characterized by following rules and wanting to help, which are reflective of my personality. The occupation results were also accurate. From this list I chose Education Administrator, which is an occupation that I may pursue in the future. Looking at these two assessments, I would say they were a confirmation for me more than anything. I’ve been teaching for twelve years and have never regretted getting into this profession. Realistically, these assessments were not going to lead me to a new profession. But what they did do for me was confirm to me something that I already know, which is that I chose the right direction to go.

            My career goals have changed since I first started my career. When I began my career, I started out just wanting to coach basketball. Teaching was a means to get to be able to coach. Shortly thereafter, I realized that my desire to coach was actually a means to get me to my true calling, which was teaching. I love every aspect of teaching young people and having the opportunity to be part of the process of teaching, molding, and mentoring young people. I knew I could make a difference. However, there were times in my career when I wondered if I was making any difference at all. But every once in a while, I will have a student come back and tell me that I helped them in some way. Sometimes they recall a simple word of encouragement or conversation we had. Sometimes I remember those instances, sometimes I don’t. But what’s important is they my students remember. When they tell me that the time and effort, and the caring and nurturing that I put into them along the way has impacted them and helped them, then I know I’ve made a difference. That’s how I know I’ve been successful. Sometimes former students have told me they wish they could repay me for the help. I tell them seeing them be successful and productive is payment enough. I tell them to pay it forward to the next person that needs help like they once did. I feel as though that is making a difference. I feel that if this happens enough times, it will make a difference in a society where many youngsters are floundering and feeling neglected and hopeless.