I was new to college and my grandmother was the director of religious education at my church. She told me that Father Mike, the priest at our parish wanted to speak to me more and that next Sunday I should speak with him after mass. This made me feel excited since I already loved to help out at my parish and I had been a religious education aid for teacher for many years now.
Falling Action
Father Mike asked me if I would be interested in becoming a teacher of a First Communion class when I became 18, he said it was one hour, once a week, every week. I was ready to help out any way I could. I figured since I have always had such a great relationship with kids already that I would be perfect for the position, I was so excited to teach them. Feeling anxious I attended some trainings before starting the program.
Resolution
UIW The University of the Incarnate Word
It felt amazing to set up the room 20 mins before, to make copies and set out freshly sharpened pencils for everyone, to take attendance and to welcome my students into class. I remember feeling a little nervous every time. I remember talking to my students about all their questions, so long that the one hour I had with them felt like 5 mins and I longed for more.
I taught for a couple of years before college got too busy, and my grandmother became too tired to continue the program. I told my students they would be my last group of students and that I would not be able to teach at church the next year. This made me feel sad but also relieved because my school work was becoming too much for me to handle. I started to experience stress and had to make a decision for my mental health.
I now attend the University of the Incarnate Word ad as a senior with a major in Elementary Education. Teaching at my church inspired me to change my major from sociology and work to become a teacher. I can honestly say that standing in front of children who have questions has made me determined to help future generations learn and apply their knowledge in the real world.