This peer mentoring volunteering position I tried in high school was my first experience working with students who were very different than myself and the group of people I interact with. I went to an IB high school where my peers and I competed for that top score and 100% on every assignment that we did. Our parents were very supportive of our education and generally provided all the resources that we would need to excel. With Big Brothers Big Sisters, I realized that the world was very different. In fact, people like me are more of the minority where we "figured out how to school" one way or another.
It was the first time that I felt tremendous gratitude for my upbringing and acknowledged my privileges growing up. I really enjoyed the one-on-one times I met with the younger students, allowing them a chance to open up to me, be their friend, and ease the stress that they felt during the days or weeks. It also showed me what a vast difference one person can make on the life of an individual and especially as an educator, I have the privilege of influencing 90 students (3 classes) for 4-5 months at a time in a typical high school. This tremendous power doesn't come without hardships and I'm beginning to understand why being a teacher is a full time job. We are 100% dedicated to changing the lives of the students for the better and knowing that privilege in this world also comes responsibility; this is the ultimate realization for an educator. 2 teach is 2 learn 4ever, but also 2 teach is 2 dedicate yourself to your students 4ever.
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AuthorHi! Thanks for taking the time to read about my journey. I hope you can take something from my experiences and share yours in return. Don't be shy! Archives
September 2021
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