Something Goes Right

Oh really, Anonymous? Well, it baffles my mind that people who criticize other people on the internet don’t even have the courage to post their own identity and are so quick to pass judgement.

I was in a similar position to Heidi. In fact, we went to the same undergraduate university. My experience however was drastically different than Heidi’s. I hated almost every single moment at NU, and not transferring is a regret that I still unfortunately hold close. As a result of being utterly miserable and HATING my environment, I did not do as well as I would have liked to academically. Some of this was because I was so upset day to day, other reasons include the fact that instead of taking the classes I was truly interested in, I was taking whatever I could fit into my schedule to graduate ASAP. Not so easy to perform as well as you’d like when your schedule is comprised mostly of classes that don’t interest you one iota.

Was it my fault that I didn’t transfer? Of course. I made that decision, however I was 18, 19, 20, 21 years old. Did you make the best decisions during those years? College is adulthood with training wheels, and we were all just learning to pedal on our own.

My point is, dear Anonymous, that sometimes people go through things during those years that profoundly shape them into the individual they are today…and unfortunately, it might have gotten in the way of their academic performance a bit. I am now accepted into a graduate program to become a NYS certified teacher, even though my GPA was very, very close to the minimum admission requirements. It was certainly below a 3.5.

I worked as a camp counselor for 6 years, and at Disney World with children for 2. I love children, and want nothing more to spark their interest in learning and stand alongside them as I help them reach even the simplest of milestones. I love every single class that I am taking right now, a feeling that I never once felt in undergraduate. Does that make me unqualified to be a teacher? Do Heidi’s mistakes and decisions at 18 mean that she’s unfit to teach in her mid twenties?

I know that I don’t think so. I agree that there should be more stringent guidelines for teachers, especially in certain parts of the country. However, having a 3.5 undergraduate GPA does not necessarily mean that you are fit to teach America’s youth, nor does having a GPA below that means that you automatically do not have the capabilities to be an amazing teacher who can touch and motivate the lives of our children.

Anddddd off the soapbox now.

YAY!!! I KNEW this would happen and I know you’ll be an AMAZING teacher! Now Steve and I will have to move to CT so that they can have you in class!

And to you, anonymous WANKER, it’s clear that you do not know the passion or the drive that this girl has. A gpa is hardly indicitive of what sort of teacher someone will be, or how they’ll fare later in life. My gpa was not a 3.5, but I have two Master’s and I work for the gov’t and I certainly don’t think I am any worse off because of a less than stellar gpa years ago.

Clearly your mother never taught you that if you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.

Heidi, xoxoxo!

Congrats on the good news!

And anonymous, just because someone comes out of school with a 3.5 does NOT mean that they are fit to teach or even good at it. They are good for taking tests, but possibly not inspiring, motivational, good speakers, etc. All things that are necessary to be a good teacher!

First, and foremost, CONGRATULATIONS Heidi! Great news!

Second, what an ignorant statement from “anonymous.” I graduated from undergrad and business school with above a 3.5 gpa…and am currently making the dean’s list in law school…and there is NO! WAY! ON! EARTH! I should teach other people’s children. Ever. Teaching is 95% enthusiasm, compassion, creativity and patience. Yes, you do need to be intelligent to teach, as well, but when has a gpa EVER been an accurate measure of intelligence? My scores simply mean I learned at a very young age how to “play the game” in school, not that I am smarter or more capable than someone who didn’t do as well in paper. My fiance maintained a steady C average all throughout school, attended THREE different colleges and I’m pretty sure hasn’t read a book all the way through since high school — but in some areas (computer science, physics, calculus, etc.), the man is smarter than I will ever be. Grades do not define who you are or what you are capable of.

Go for it, Heidi. Kick ass and take names…starting with anonymous!

Congrats, Heidi! That is GREAT! Good for you!

YAY! That’s great news!

Girl!!! This is such fantastic news! I am beyond thrilled for you! I know you’re going to kick major ass in your preliminary classes. You’re on your way!

(PS: I would let you teach my kids any day of the week. Even Saturdays and Sundays, when you’re not even supposed to be teaching. You’re going to be amazing.)

YES!! yes yes yes! Oh I was just hoping for some news like this from you. Long overdue.

And, yeah. Not to keep stirring a dead debate, but many of the people I’ve known with the highest gpas have been either (1) total tools or (2) completely socially inept. One of my worst teachers in high school, in fact, was textbook brilliant–but totally, totally not suited for a classroom. Teaching, as you know, is about passion first and foremost. Documented, on-paper smarts won’t make up for that. (And isn’t inspiring a desire for more knowledge half the battle, anyway?)

xo.

BTW – I totally understand how you feel, and disagree with Anonymous. I did TERRIBLY in law school (by law school standards, anyway), but I kicked serious ass in moot court and trial competitions. So, I couldn’t sit through a timed essay and find that “magic style” that was apparently needed to ace an exam. I also had professors tell me that I was one of the best students they had, and that I knew my stuff better than most. Grades don’t indicate what type of person you are. In fact, they seem pretty meaningless to me. It’s all about how you perform when you’re actually out in the world, and about the passion you put behind whatever you’re doing. Keep it up!

Yay! Congrats on the good news. This sounds like you’re back on the path to accomplishing your goals, which is great! It really sucks when you’re so much better than what you’re portrayed as on paper. So, I’m glad to hear you could overcome that! Keep smiling and pushing forward!