Growing up I was continuously hounded with the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” For the longest time, I could not seem to find an answer. There were too many options to choose from, but over time through my life experience, I found my answer. I concluded that I want to be a teacher. My experiences as a coach, student, and athlete led me to who I am today and forever shaped my beliefs. 

It was not until I began coaching basketball that I realized I wanted to teach. I first started as a volunteer coach for my old middle school because I want to give back to a community that gave me so much. Little did I know how much it would continue to give me. I fell in love with what I was doing and never left the gym without a smile. It brought me so much joy to watch the girls I coached learn and grow as athletes. No matter how small their success was, I was always filled with pride. I saw the confidence grow in each individual and I realized that I was capable of making a difference. I knew I wanted to continue toward a career path in which I can teach and help young minds grow. The biggest lesson I gained from coaching was that it is okay to be vulnerable. Not every day was perfect. I would come across girls who were seeing more failures than successes. They were struggling to find their confidence. They felt their best option was to give up and stop trying. I soon realized I had to do something to help. Instinctively I attempted to connect with them and explain they are not the first person to struggle. I shared personal stories where I faced similar battles. At that moment I wanted them to see me not as their coach, but as just another person. Later I would realize that by being vulnerable I was able to connect with my girls and give them the encouragement they needed. I had parents come to me and thank me for sharing my stories with their kids. I believe vulnerability can be a strength that can help others overcome their battles. Many of my beliefs were shaped while I was still a high school student as many teachers in my life left an impact.

Throughout both middle and high school, I came in contact with various teachers who ranged in their own personal beliefs. I consider myself very lucky for the teachers I had in my life, both good and bad they all had their impact. Some of the best and most memorable teachers I had built relationships with their students. They believed it was worthwhile to connect and get to know who was in their class. When I look back on the teachers and lessons I remember, it was the teachers that took the time to show they care for their students in and outside of the classroom that are the most memorable. I learned more and retained more from their lessons because they built a connection and humanized themselves. They created a space with mutual respect between both student and teacher. While I had many positive experiences I had a fair share of negative experiences as well. My least favorite classes involved teachers who seemed emotionally unavailable to the class. They showed no energy or passion toward what they were teaching. Many times students would leave with the mindset that if the teacher does not care then why should they? These were classes that I had a difficult time engaging in. From both positive and negative experiences as a student, I developed the belief that relationships matter. I believe it is important to build connections and relationships with students and show they are cared for in and outside of the classroom. When I was not in the classroom I spent a good portion of my time in the gym as an athlete.

I have competed in various sports over the years, but for over ten years I have dedicated countless hours to playing basketball. From my experience as an athlete, I learned a lot regarding hard work and dedication, but the most valuable lessons I learned were teamwork and the strength of making mistakes. While many people may prefer to work alone, it is a key life skill to be able to work in groups. Learning how to work in a team setting is critical. A class can be perceived as a team in many aspects. Together we can work towards a similar goal and help push one another to be our best selves. I was able to find a second family in the teams I was a part of and I want to create a similar atmosphere within a classroom. I also believe in making mistakes. While playing basketball I can remember countless times when my coach told me if you are not making mistakes you are not pushing yourself hard enough. If we fear messing up we hold ourselves back from our full potential. When we make mistakes we learn from them as well. I want to create a learning environment where students can learn and make mistakes without the fear of being penalized for it. 

While looking back on my experience as a coach, student, and athlete I can not help but smile. I want future students to have the same reaction when they reflect on their past. My life experiences led me to believe in vulnerability, relationships, teamwork, and mistakes. My life experiences have dramatically shaped who I am today and what I believe in, but I also believe that we are never done learning. Therefore, I look forward to my future and I am excited about the experiences and lessons it will bring.