"I have always wanted to make a difference in people's lives and debated between becoming a counselor or a teacher, but I ultimately decided to become a special educator"

Department

Special Education

Related Degrees

• BEd in Special Education

Why did you choose to become a teacher, in general?

I have loved teaching my younger siblings and cousins since I was little. I would always take what I was learning at school and use that new knowledge to ‘play school’ with my younger siblings and teach them what I was learning. For example, when I was learning about the branches of government, the Constitution and amendments, and court cases. I would conduct mock trials with my sisters and often read them the Constitution and amendments while playing in our pasture. These events sparked my interest in teaching, but the indicator that I wanted to teach as a career came when I was in high school.

In high school, I joined a Big Buddies, Little Buddies program where I read books to Kindergarteners. During this program, my love for teaching and working with kids with special needs sparked and grew. I was a part of Big Buddies, Little Buddies, for two years. In my first year, I worked with student in general education; the following year, I worked with a student who received special education services. It was after reading and working with these two students that my love for teaching grew.

I have always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and debated between becoming a counselor or a teacher, but I ultimately decided to become one.

Why did you choose to become licensed in special education?

Similar to why I decided to become a teacher, I became licensed in special education because our work has a place in my heart. I enjoy working with my students with and without special needs. But working with my students with special needs is so rewarding for me, especially when they learn and understand the concepts being taught. Working in this field is a lot of work, but it is satisfying.

Both during my time working with students in high school and my time volunteering at Kohala Elementary School, I was always drawn to working with students with special needs. I had the patience, excitement, and enjoyment of working with them. I was halfway through an elementary education program at UH Mānoa when I decided that was not the right track for me and switched my major to mild/moderate special education.

Why do you feel it is important to have diversity in the classroom?

Diversity in the classroom bring opportunity for new learning and growth!