Dont you hate that moment when you question if you are really going into the right career path....I talked with Dad this weekend and ever since I have been having this doubt in my mind that I never considered before; I was on the path of seeking Special Education Early Intervention degree, and had thoughts of teaching in classroom, but Dad suggested something else. The reason the topic came up was because UL Lafayette (not sure if any school in the state offers) doesnt offer it as a Single Degree, but an add-on, so Id have to get my degree in regular education, and then go back. So I was griping to Dad about it; and he said something along the lines of why dont you go for something not necessarily in the classroom, you should still get the degree, but you cant physically handle teaching these kids in a classroom. This is the first time I have ever heard the words You Cant from either of my parents; they have always encouraged me, and this post isnt to put my dad on blast or anything, hes just got me thinking since our talk, and now I am just unsure, well lets be honest, Ive always been unsure; I just settled because of these 3 reasons: Special needs is something Im familar with, Ive seen Special needs kids who dont get a proper education and they are smart as all heck but people dont give them the credit due to the label of the disability, Special needs kids are the most loving of children once you get to their personalities and find what makes them click.; Its what I am passionate about. But I also had other passions: animals, music, art, life skills---cooking and such. my longing was to find a way to bring all of these skills together and create a school for these children; sure its Segregation but I always remembered grades 4-12 as hell for me, due to physical disability and seeing jr .high and high school children mocking the special ed class children, so that gave me reason to want to shelter them and protect them from that: but something recently changed my mind. I did an observation at a elementary schools library recently where a group of first graders had special needs students via inclusion: watching these 1st graders, they accepted the special needs children and loved them, they played with them, etc. Thats when It hit me: Its a learned behavior. They are either taught it at home, they themselves are teased and want to fit in with the group. So maybe its not the special needs children that need steering and guidance, maybe its the normal children needing to be more exposed to it: that is when I realized Inclusion is a good thing. IT exposes these children as what they are: Children just like any other, wanting to be accepted and loved, have feelings too. But now I am unsure of what to do with my life, Ive taken too many courses towards my degree to change majors, but maybe I can minor in like public speaking and speak for those that cant really speak out for themselves. I also was considering Child life degree (like recreational therapists at Shriners Hospital in St Louis and Childrens hospital of St Louis). Sometimes I just wish God could reach his giant hands down from the clouds and just shove me in the direction he wants for me, but once again, we as humans have free will.... Sorry Dad, I dont mean to make you look bad, thats not my intention at all, if anything I applaud you for making me think. I actually do have to consider my disability/limitations, and I get so wrapped up in helping others, I tend to go overboard/extreme, and end up hurting myself (Mentally, financially, emotionally, whatever the case being) I do need someone there to slow me down and say maybe you should think this over. So Thanks Dad. Thanks Mom. Thanks for all who support me, but also take time to show me an alternate.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 02:24:42 +0000
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