I was getting my hair done yesterday when the hairdresser asked me what I was planning to do when I graduate from college. "I am going to be an English teacher" was all I said when instantly this woman got tears in her eyes.
She explained to me that she was very emotional about my decision because she was originally from the Philippians and it was not until she moved here that she learned how to speak English at Syracuse University.
She was truly touched by her English teacher because he not only took the time to help her with her language and speech, but he introduced her to novels and plays such as Shakespeare and many others. She is now very literate and does not think she would be without the help of that English teacher.
She and her son (who is now 16) each read a play or a novel every week together and then discuss it in full detial. She said that she and her family are so grateful for their education and ability to read because they know what it is like to not have those skills. She came from a very illiterate town where education was forbidden.
She also mentioned that she never saw a computer before moving here and now her son is showing her how to use the internet because he is learning to use it in school. She is fascinated and excited that her son is learning so many things that she never had the opportunity to learn at his age. She simply ended her story with: "we are learning together."
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4 comments:
That's a very moving story, and it excites me to think that I could be that same teacher to my students someday.
This woman's triumph also helps us as future teachers of English see beyond standards, state testing, and administration-mandated curriculums. We see into a world where teachers are simply advocating literacy for those who cannot do it for themselves or for those who simply wouldn't have the opportunity otherwise.
Thanks for sharing :o)
I've had similar experiences to this as well. I also feel really proud when others ask me what I want to do with my career. People seem to be really impressed, and they look at you in this new light. It's really empowering, and it makes me glad and satisfied that I am going into this profession. I'm glad that this job can have this effect on other people!
what a nice experience. we can all learn from this woman. Here she is, making a life for herself, and she appreciates what she has and what she will learn. When we teach, we need to be more aware of the cultures brought into our classrooms, where students have come from, and the ideas they already have before setting foot in our rooms.
Thanks for sharing your story!
Though it's not quite anything like your experience, my reason behind wanting to become an English teacher is somewhat for that reason. I want more than anything to make a difference in someone's life, the way that my teachers have made a difference in mine. I think we all do.
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