The Journey to the Pinnacle of Academia: My Motivation to Teach

From Movie Buff to Professor

My journey to teaching has been a fascinating one, full of twists and turns. As a child, I was always a movie buff, and instead of playing with friends or engaging in typical childhood activities, I spent hours absorbed in the world of books and movies. However, one group of people stood out for me even in my formative years - the professors. They seemed to have the answers to everything and always appeared knowledgeable and interesting. They had vast libraries at their disposal, which I had only heard about but lusted after. Additionally, these professors embarked on unusual expeditions and seemed to live outside of the regular stream of life, making a lasting impression on me.

Fascination with Professors and a Future Path

When I became a college student, I was particularly fascinated to discover that some of my professors had written the books we were using in class. Their extensive knowledge was genuinely thrilling to me, and I quickly realized that I felt at home in a college/university setting. My parents had often referred to me as the “little professor” due to my bookish nature, my interest in odd collections, and my inclination towards science and arcane topics. Thus, I decided that becoming a professor or a clinical psychologist would be my future path.

Teaching as a Graduate Assistant and Beyond

I had the opportunity to teach as a graduate assistant, which was a fantastic experience. I later taught part-time at a private college and had some success in my endeavors. However, it quickly became clear that if I wanted to secure a full-time position with benefits like health insurance, I would have to take a step that would challenge the conventional career path. I was offered positions at a mental hospital as a psychologist and a small college as a professor. The hospital said they had funds for one year, but the college offered a contract for three years. The clear choice was mathematically inescapable—three years with the college versus one year with the hospital.

The Decision to Become a Professor

It's essential to note that as a group, I had always admired the learning intellect and demeanor of my professors more than any other collection of persons. The professoriate's professional autonomy, the time to think about various issues, and the admiration they receive from society are significant advantages. Additionally, professors get summers off to do whatever they wish and still receive a 9-over-12 payment, which is a highly attractive aspect of the profession.

The Accidental Beginnings of My Teaching Career

In reality, I wasn't particularly inspired to teach; it simply happened by accident. I managed to secure a teaching job at a private boarding school, which was a fortunate turn of events for me. Despite the fact that my teaching career was brief, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and found it incredibly rewarding. Being able to help a lot of students and provide a sense of meaning in my life was a significant perk. If I ever choose to return to teaching, I may do so later in my career if time and circumstances align.

Reflections on Teaching

One of the best aspects about teaching is that it is not a monotonous job. Teaching young people during a crucial period of their lives allows for constant learning and growth. The type of school and the administration play a significant role in the teaching experience, as they can either enhance or detract from the positive aspects of the role.