Section 6: Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at It

I am currently an 8th grade Exploring Careers in Aldine ISD. Many are not familiar with what this class entails so let me explain. I like to call my class 'Life 101," just because I get to teach the students everything they need to know about life that I was never taught in school such as the following: 

• How to budget money (write checks, balance checkbook, open bank account)

• How to create a resume'

• How to fill out a job application

• Correct ways to answer interview questions

• Research different careers based on survey results

• How to search for scholarships

• College majors

• How to apply for college and financial aid

• Creation of high-school plan (most stressful part for me)

With my current position I fall in the Career and Technology Department in Aldine ISD. So of course my students and I deal with technology on the daily basis and I always feel the need to constantly better myself in everything I do which is why I decided to obtain my masters degree in Educational Technology. I always teach my students that they must perfect their craft in whatever they choose to do in life so I knew I needed to practice what I preach to them. I always look forward and try to figure out the next step/goal in life so I never become complacent so ultimately I feel that I am also preparing myself to become a college professor :) but, who knows where life will lead me. I never thought in a million years that I would be a teacher let alone going back to school to obtain my masters but, here I am!

Since last year was my first year of being an educator I can not compare my campus to any other campus. However, I have heard the horror stories of principals, colleagues and other admins throughout other schools and I must say I have been blessed! I have a principal that is understanding and willing to provide any assistance/opportunity that you could ask for. And as far as the CTE Department on my campus they have been absolutely amazing, supportive and helpful throughout my transition into this field (they are the reason I came back for a second year). Of course, my workplace may have it's ups and downs but, what school/occupation doesn't? The good definitely outweighs the bad currently and I couldn't be happier. What I have now is an environment that I hope to always be in for the workplace. Maybe, I feel this way about my work environment due to my outlook/perspective on things. I always try to keep a great attitude and overlook the things that aren't so great. This attribute isn't something I learned overnight and surely isn't something I was born with which is why I consider it a great quality about myself and I hope the individuals I work with or come across will say the same about me.

I'm not enrolled in a masters program to necessarily gain any praise or a promotion from it but to set a goal and accomplish it for myself. If opportunities present themselves after this milestone is over than so be it but, I'm just wanting that little girl in me to say, "You have become the woman you always dreamed of being. You said you would do something and no matter the obstacle and how hard it looked you did it."

-Jaquelia