Autobiography



A career in teaching secondary education in the concentration in English and History ensures to never lose imagination. I believe the teaching of English and History is a hidden secret. No other field adheres to such knowledge and dates during teaching sessions. Usually when I describe my fields of studies, generally, the typical response is “I can see how English and History can be connected.” This response greatly appears throughout my academia community. To describe what it entails is a whole introduction course. Teaching English and History is so dynamic that it draws my attention closer as I grasp all its dimensions.

As a History major from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an English major from Governors State University, I found the median in combining my two academic disciplines would assist and contribute during my education graduate level journey. Enthusiasm and energy are two of my main qualities I possess, but competence over reigns all. I am ready for the challenges of higher education. Although, I have experienced both downfalls and excellence during my academic experiences, more complex subjects, only further intrigued, have never discouraged me. I believe everyone faces turmoil, but for some it will only fuel passion. While working as a clerk for a futures fill in broker in the Euro Options Pit at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, I realized this profession was not for me. I wanted to do something more meaningful in life instead of being around monetary, cut throat environment. Deep in my heart, I had a calling to become an educator and parted away from the financial markets for the pursuit of happiness. I enrolled at St. Xavier University / School of Education (SXU/SOE) to learn and become an effective educator. Currently, I am working as a Day-to-Day Substitute Teacher for Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

My mother, Kanella, had influenced me to take the path as an educator. My mom had told me stories about her first experiences here in the Untied States. At the peak of her pre-adolescent development, my mother’s life was about to take a route that would be considered her new life. From a family of five children, being the second born, oldest girl, my mom assisted in helping the family make their journey from her birthplace of Crete, Greece to the United States. My mom was taken to a place where she no longer shared any common culture. Language differed, she spoke Greek, did not know or understand a word of English. The Greek Orthodox religion, which was a primary focus within her household, was now uncommon; she has now reached the Puritanical rooted land, which has now escalated to a free practice of religious practices that she only studied in the classroom, but not viewed as a reality. My mom was intelligent, strong, and needed to help her parents with the rest of the children. She decided to abide by the norms of her new society. My mother had taught her family to adjust to the American way of life. Although family was always a strong value in my own upbringing. Education was never encouraged. My mom introduced me to a new value that is just as empowering as family, but education improves family. Education is an investment. Education is never a waste, it allows the person to explore and implement on the knowledge they already have. My mother was greatest teacher in my life.

As a child, I remember having difficulties of speaking English at school. The primary language in my house was Greek. When I attended elementary school, I recall many fellow classmates were making fun of me because I did not know the English language very well. My mother told me keep practicing reading and writing at home, and eventually I will get better. Also, my mother told me that I have other skills and talents that can measure success in life. Next, she told me a detailed description of her life about a lifelong learning experience she had. My mom participated in the inner city Chicago school curriculum. She was placed two grades lower than her intelligence level because she was unable to speak the new native language. It was not until mathematics was introduced in the lesson plan, that my mom voluntarily went to the board and completed the advanced calculation. Then the teacher knew that my mom was much more advanced than the grade level granted. After that story that my mom had told me, I went to school that next day, there was a difficult math problem on the board. The teacher had asked for volunteers to go to the board to solve the problem. I volunteered, went to the board, and solved the problem. And all the students and the teacher were amazed that I solved the problem. From that point on, the students had stopped making fun of me. That’s one learning situation I will never forget.

I have taught several math courses for CPS. I have taught Algebra to special needs students at this particular high school. For them, math was difficult task. My students could not remember the basic rules of operations of algebra. There were many days, going over and over problems, to see what where their mistakes were. After I exercise the art of being patient and caring, the students began to understand the concepts of rules of operations in class. I was so happy and proud of my students this moment had significantly contributed for me to become a teacher. In conclusion, when I entered this field, I had no prior high school teaching experience. I entered many schools clueless, not knowing what to expect, what to believe, say, or act toward the student body. For me, this was a totally fresh new experience as well as a challenge. Everyday, I am eager to go to work. I enjoy learning and teaching. I feel that I am dedicated to my students and my profession. When arriving to the high school, I notice various teachers are just as enthusiastic and happy as I am. They express their commitment in making students succeed. With the professionalism, positive attitudes, and standards I am bringing to the classroom assures the student body their dedication. I believe, I will be effective professional teacher from my extensive education from SXU/SOE and my classroom experiences from CPS.