Where I Want to Be When I Grow Up

Growing up, everyone always asks, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" For most of my childhood, I had no idea. But now that I’m older and have had time to think about it, I have a better sense of where I want to go in life. My dream is to be a teacher, specifically a high school English teacher. I want to help students find their voice and inspire them to love literature the way I do. But it’s not just about teaching reading and writing—it’s about shaping young minds and helping them prepare for the world ahead.

Why Teaching English?

I’ve always loved reading. I can remember when I first discovered books that really grabbed my attention. There’s something magical about getting lost in a story and escaping into another world. As I got older, I started realizing how powerful stories are. They not only entertain but also teach lessons and help us understand different perspectives. That’s why I want to be an English teacher. I want to share that love of reading and writing with others, especially with students who may not think they enjoy literature at first.

Being an English teacher isn't just about reading books, though. It’s about helping students express themselves clearly and confidently. I want to teach them how to write well, how to think critically, and how to understand the world through the lens of literature. There are so many things I didn’t understand as a teenager that I now see were taught through stories, whether it was about relationships, history, or even how to deal with challenges in life. I hope to give my future students those same tools.

Shaping Future Generations

Beyond the books and lessons, being a teacher means having an impact on students' lives. I think back to all the teachers who made a difference for me. They were the ones who listened, encouraged, and pushed me to do my best, even when I doubted myself. They didn’t just teach me subjects—they taught me how to be confident and how to approach the world. That’s the kind of teacher I want to be. I want to be someone students can rely on, someone who pushes them to succeed and helps them figure out their place in the world.

I know teaching isn’t always easy. It comes with challenges, from managing a classroom to dealing with different learning styles. But I think I’m ready for that. I want to create a classroom environment where students feel safe to speak up, share their ideas, and make mistakes without feeling judged. Education should be a place of growth, and I hope to foster that growth in every student I teach.

Building Strong Relationships

One of the things that excites me most about becoming a teacher is the relationships I’ll build with my students. I believe that teaching is more than just giving lessons; it’s about connecting with people. I want to know my students, understand what interests them, and help them feel valued. I’ve had teachers who truly cared about me, and I’ll always remember how much of a difference that made in my life. I want to do the same for my students—show them that I believe in them and that I’m there to support them.

Challenges and Goals

Of course, becoming a teacher won’t be easy. It takes a lot of hard work, patience, and commitment. I’ll need to get a teaching degree, spend time student-teaching, and keep learning throughout my career to stay up to date with new teaching strategies. But I’m ready for it. I know it’s a long road, but I’m passionate about helping others, and I believe teaching is the best way I can do that.

My goal is not just to teach literature, but to inspire my students to think deeply, write well, and communicate their thoughts confidently. I want them to leave my classroom feeling more empowered and ready to take on the world. And if, years down the road, one of them tells me they became a writer or a teacher because of something I said or did, I’ll know that I did my job right.

Looking Ahead

So, when I grow up, I want to be a teacher. I want to help students grow not just academically but also personally. I want to be part of their journey and help them discover their strengths, passions, and the endless possibilities in front of them. I know it will be a rewarding career, full of ups and downs, but I’m ready for the challenge. And in the end, I believe it will be worth it to know I helped make a difference in someone's life.