You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go. ~Dr. Seuss

Teaching has clearly been "my calling" from the first day I walked into the PDS program.  I was paired up with two marvelous mentors, Mrs. Molly Dickinson and Mrs. Ericka Roiger along with their wonderful classrooms.  Over the year-long internship with Pekin District 108 I have come to understand my role as a teacher, facilitator, and mentor.  I have gained knowledge about technology, curriculum and planning for mastery.  I was given the chance to spread my wings and plan for diversity.  I am certain that without this program I would not feel as comfortable about going into my own classroom this fall as I do now.  I look back on my year with the Pekin Professional Development School as the most signifying and educational year of my college career.

Looking back at all my college experiences, I look at all I have done and am amazed.  Pride is a feeling that encompasses my hard work at maintaining good grades and gaining knowledge in education.  Learning through my personal motivation has created an individual with knowledge on educational values, philosophies, child development, and passion.  Illinois State University aided in the molding of my image, but it has always been myself that determined where I wanted to go in life.

The path that I have chosen is one that has led me to become a professional educator, with a mind that is dedicated to the teaching of individuals.  My education has grown into a passion for both learning and teaching that will only grow stronger as I continue my path towards success.