My Passion for Education

This summer, Equity Intern Kennidie shares how her work with young Power Scholars in the Western Addition has provided an opportunity to question her future role as an educator,  the education system, and the teaching work field.  Her recent classroom experience here and in her ancestral homeland of Guam reinforce her belief in the need for future passionate teachers.

I thought I knew what my outlook would be before starting this internship, but as we near the end I find that I did not. This internship was an eye-opening and engaging experience that I feel very fortunate to have had, but it was much different that I expected it to be. It has me reevaluating everything I thought I knew about the education system and the work field I will be entering upon obtaining my degrees. Simultaneously, it made me feel enthusiastic to begin my career working with students and nervous that I may have chose the wrong path.

Not once since I joined the Undergraduate Teacher Education program at USF have I questioned my future as an educator until now. I wonder about how I am going to take on the challenges and high expectations that come with the role of a teacher. I ask myself questions such as, “Am I really the right fit for this job?” “Can I be who my students need me to be?” “Do I have all the tools and qualifications for this position?” or “Is this sustainable for my well-being (financially, emotionally, physically, mentally) long-term?” These questions and much more fly back and forth in my mind as I work with the YMCA and the McCarthy Center this summer, especially as I am about to begin my first semester of fieldwork in the fall. 

I believe that it is normal to have reasonable doubt when making any crucial decision such as future career choices, but in this instance I feel that my passion for education outweighs any doubts or fears about my path. Working with the students of San Francisco and students back in Guam have made it crystal clear that I am on track to where I am meant to be. I hope that the future of education is a more positive, respected, and valued field for teachers and students alike. The world would not have its beloved athletes, doctors, lawyers, nurses, or artists without teachers to guide them through their beginnings. I want to show immense gratitude and appreciation for all the educators, policy makers, and students who paved the way for me and my fellow future educators.

Learn more about the Equity Interns here