Youths, Leaders of the Future

My college entrance essay I wrote back as a senior in high school minus some personal info. (university name and teacher names). Thought this might be interesting and even helpful for those wanting to know why I want to be a teacher and get an idea of what I wrote to get accepted to my university of choice. Reading it now, there are some changes I would make if I had to re-write this, but I'll leave as much of the original as necessary.

"Teach the children so that it will not be necessary to teach the adults," said Abraham Lincoln. This is absolutely true! I realize the importance of having an appropriate education from a young age. If children are taught beneficial knowledge properly, then life for them as well as the people they interact with will be much better. For example, if they are taught from a young age the terrible affects of drug usage, gang and pre-marital relationship involvement, etc. then a lot of trouble and suffering could be avoided. What will become of humankind in the future with ignorance spreading rapidly?

On the positive side, being in a position to teach allows the teacher to present the correct understanding of life, proper manners and behavior, self-development, etc. There is so much to teach the future generations! Not only can teachers educate as best as they can, but they can also be role models. Memories from my own school years, including teachers who have taught me so much, such as my fourth grade teachers, remind me of the "good old days" but most importantly, of the troubles my generation faces. With these thoughts in mind, as well as the love of children and teaching them to value their education, I feel led me to consider a career in education.

A teaching career appealed to me since I was in fourth grade. I read stories to my younger brother and played school with him. I have also tutored second graders in English when I was in seventh grade. In addition, I assisted teachers at a private school in Prospect Park over my winter and spring break. Through this I was able to interact with children from different grades, ages, and backgrounds which I enjoyed!