This is one of those questions which I cannot give a simple answer to, mainly due to the fact that a large variety factors contributed to my decision.  However, if I was to pinpoint a single moment in which I truly thought to myself “I want to be a teacher” it would be during my time in Rwanda.  It was while visiting this incredible East African country that I had the opportunity to learn and appreciate the importance of education as well as see first hand the impact education can have. Many of the children I had the opportunity of meeting on my short 2 week trip couldn’t go to school, not because they didn’t want to but because they either couldn’t afford it or had other more ‘grown up’ responsibilities such as caring for younger siblings or collecting food and water.  However, those who did have the opportunity attend school ensured they got the most out despite the overcrowded classrooms and lack of resources.  These children were so desperate to learn that they would climb in windows and stand outside classrooms with the hope of getting involved.  Every child I had the opportunity to meet was an inspiration, they didn’t focus on what they didn’t have but instead focused all their attention onto what they did have – the opportunity to learn.  As cliché as it sounds it was this eagerness to learn which completely changed my opinion on education and made me determined to progress into teaching.

 (a typical Rwandan classroom setting)

As a result of my classroom experiences I have found that the best teachers are those who are approachable, understanding and genuinely interested in what they are teaching.  I would like to become the kind of teacher who is exactly that, someone who the children are not afraid to ask for help if they need it whether that be relating to their work or just someone to talk to if they are having a bad day, as well as someone who makes learning enjoyable, interesting and interactive to ensure that all the students in my class take full advantage of the free education they have and are provided the opportunities to achieve their education goals and aspirations.