Why did I want to be a teacher?

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to become a computer engineer. I have always had an interest in technology and I was convinced that is what I wanted to do. During my first year of college, I was excited about being an engineering student; I was not convinced. After one year, I had the opportunity to work in a local high school as a soccer coach. I always had a special connection to the game. I love soccer and I enjoy being around such environment. However, I never thought about coaching until the opportunity came.

My first job was to be a soccer coach. I was motived and nervous because I had never coached or taught anything to anyone before. I began to interact with my students and as the season went by, I was falling in love in what has become my life today. I became passionate about teaching and coaching. Through this profession, I believe that I can make a positive impact on others. I strongly believe that this is my way, of contributing to our future.

Physical Education is an important component in learning that is overlook in many ways. During my first year as a coach, I learned a lot about teaching through my very own personal experience with my students. After a few weeks, I was convinced that there was only so much I can do with what I currently had. An engineering degree was not going to help me be in a better position to help my students. I did not think twice, I changed my major to Kinesiology with a specialization in Physical Education.

I have been fortunate to have learned from incredible professors and mentors at Cal State Northridge. Graduating from Northridge was such a memorable achievement because of how hard it was to get there. Being a soccer coach in a local school required me to work full time with the salary of less than a part time employee. I was convinced I needed to invest in my students while going to school.

One of the most unique things about teaching and coaching is that they are very strongly related. Many of the teaching methodologies can be applied in both that I am in a very fortunate position. My short term objective is to learn form my classmates about teaching and how to maximize their learning and success in the classroom; especially in the field of Physical Education. In the long term, I hope to have the opportunity to teach in high school and community college while coaching soccer. Most importantly, to have the opportunity to provide a positive learning environment for students in Physical Education.