Winters-+TELL+step+2

Stephanie Winters Winters- TELL project TELL Step 2:

Past (before college) There is no artifact that comes to my mind when thinking about my past experience with education. However, I do think a lot about my parents when looking back on my past experiences with education. I think about the experiences that they have had that inspired me to make many of my decisions about college. Both of my parents have always encouraged me to do the best that I can and to always strive to new heights. My mom is a nurse and works very hard at her job. She serves as an inspiration to me, she had me at a young age and still chose to go to college to become a nurse. She graduated with high honors and continued to use her education to be the best that she can be at her job. She also works night shift to have a better schedule when it comes to seeing my family. I have two younger brothers and a younger sister. Working night shift allows her to sleep during the day when they are at school and be up when them when they get home. She then goes to work at night when everyone goes to sleep. This is something that I see as very self sacrificing, I know that I would never be able to work this shift and I give her a lot of credit for doing so. She also works 12 hour shifts to decrease the actual number of days she goes to work. My dad also graduated from college with honors. He is very hardworking in everything he does. He is always trying to make things better whether it's with his job, projects around the house, or family vacations. He also decided to further his education and went back to college to get his masters degree. This was an extremely hard task when you think about it. Along with taking classes he was working a full time job and also taking care of a family. However, he never complained about this work. He saw it as something to increase his knowledge and took it to his full advantage. After living with the two main figures in my life, my parents, I have grown to become very much like them. I take away traits from them that have made me successful in the first year of college. I admire their hard work and try to be like them in many ways. I take away things they have taught me throughout my life and use them in my everyday life. I have learned to always reach higher and to try new things. My parents have always told me to never give up on something that I want which was an extremely useful advice as I got older. I also was always expected to go to college and excel. Coming from parents who both have college degrees, I felt that it was necessary to do the same. I understand that my education and future are very important and to take them seriously. These beliefs come from the way my parents have raised me. I can't be thankful enough to both my parents for everything they have gave and taught me.

Present (in college) When thinking about my present education a lot of things come to mind. One thing that stands out is my involvement in the Best Buddies Club.This club matches college students with individuals with exceptionalities who live throughout the Bloomsburg area. I have a buddy who has special needs that I interact with weekly. We often talk on the phone and hang out. He really likes to go bowling and out to eat. Working with him inspires me. I can see how excited he gets just to leave his house for awhile and to hang out with someone new. This is my second year being his buddy and we have had so many good experiences. Working with him is not only fun but educational as well. Doing different things with my buddy and other buddies involved in this club helps me to gain experiences with working with individuals with exceptionalities. These experiences will help me as I pursue a degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. I know that these experiences will stay with me throughout my life and continue to inspire me when i get a job.

Future (after college) After college I plan on moving forward with my life and becoming a teacher. After my undergraduate years at Bloomsburg I may do a master's program to further my education. After completing college I would like to work with individuals with special needs and plan on having a classroom with students who are both general education students and special education students. This type of a classroom is one artifact that can be used to represent my future. I talk about my buddy Brandon a lot. This is because he is such a big part of my life at this moment. I consider him to be part of my present people that influence my education. However, I know that the times i have spent with him with last throughout my life and continue to inspire me throughout my career as a teacher. The things i have learned from him with help me to become a better teacher that cares about her work.