Since I have started my education courses this past semester, I have decided to share some of my work from those classes. This essay in particular is not to show off, gain sympathy, etc. It is just to share my journey of learning through (public) school. (I use this blog to save writings that I like, want to go back to in the future, or just to share with others.)
Despite my appearance and what some people assume about me, I was born and raised in the USA and thus, I didn’t have trouble with the English language. I actually consider myself fluent in English rather than my parent’s language, Bangla. I understood what I was being taught in school from a young age and displayed my skills by getting on the Honor Roll and Principal’s List from as early as 2nd grade. I looked forward to going to school daily as a 4th grader. I loved learning, being with my friends and teachers, and generally had fun in school. My homeroom/ Math teacher and aid were my favorite teachers. Mrs. Alia and Ms. Hill made me feel accepted and gifted in school, which motivated me to do well and kept my interest. They taught their subject with enthusiasm and helped us better understand the material. The big classroom itself was welcoming with its bright lights, posters on the wall, and overall organized room. It was actually thanks to Mrs. Alia and Ms. Hill that I wanted to become a teacher since I was in 4th grade. But the good school days were about to end as I entered 5th grade.
As a 5th grader, I started to wear a headscarf (hijab in Arabic) for the first time for religious reasons. Due to this and other reasons, classmates started to bully me. My grades didn’t really suffer although I didn’t enjoy school like I used to. In fact, I started to hate school at this point. I’m sure my teacher noticed the bullies, but for some reason, she nor any other staff member did anything to help me. I didn’t get my parents involved because I didn't want to make a big deal and I thought that if the bullies figured I was bothered enough to get my parents involved, they would have leverage over me. My "friends" weren't much help either. They laughed away as one bully in particular constantly embarrassed me. That year as a fifth grader I didn't feel accepted whatsoever. Classmates were intolerant of the changes I went through and made it obvious. So I basically endured the bullying and hate in silence for the rest of the school year.
Fast forward to 8th grade. Almost all my classmates and teachers got used to me wearing a headscarf and accepted the change by now. I had a group of friends that made going to school enjoyable again. Two of my favorite subjects were Math and Science. My Math teacher taught her lessons extremely well on an overhead projector so everything was neat and logical. She would also have students go up on the board and do problems so she could see that we understood and for us to explain our work to classmates. Again, her classroom was also organized and welcoming. She had desks in groups of 5-6 with at least 1-2 students in each group to help the others. My science teacher may not have been as neat and organized, but the subject was interesting enough to make it one of my favorites.
By senior year in high school, I was comfortable in my “skin” and it showed in almost everything I did. I work better by myself, but when it came to working in a group/ as a team, I tend to take the lead. I had some of the best teachers of my schooling as a senior in high school too. My teachers valued the hard work I put into their class and extracurricular activities. The teachers themselves were very dedicated, humorous, hardworking, organized, helpful, approachable, encouraging and creative, so it wasn’t hard to enjoy being in their company and learning from them. All the good traits I found in my teachers made my learning and overall school experience that much more worthwhile.
Being in university now, learning is different than it was in the past. Now, I have to take more responsibility for my education and what I get out of it. College is a privilege, so I try to do my best as a student. Not all professors have done their job well. Others were surprisingly great. Although some classes had a lot of work required, by the end of the semester I realized those were some of the best classes. Not because I got good grades in them or the professor went above expectations, but because I learned so much as their student. The wide variety of subjects is also very interesting in my opinion because even though we all might have a specific career in mind, it is still good to know a little bit about different areas.
The quest for knowledge and learning won’t end for me after I graduate. There is still so much more I want to learn and experience! As a future teacher, learning with my students will undoubtedly take place. After all, learning never truly stops no matter what our age may be.
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