I intend to become a high school English teacher. To accomplish this goal, I plan to attend Bates College and study English as a major and educational studies as a minor. At Bates, I will be given the resources and knowledge necessary to further my skills as a tutor and student mentor. Their Purposeful Work program, which provides students with opportunities to pursue their career goals, is deeply connected to the school and town community. Programs such as the Student Writing and Language Center, the Lewiston High School Mentor Program, and the Aspirations Club will prepare me to become a successful teacher. Firstly, I plan to become an active member of the Bates community by becoming a writing tutor at the Student Writing and Language Center. As I will be required to take two courses to become a certified Bates writing …show more content…
Beyond the school community, Bates College offers tutoring and mentoring programs at Lewiston High School. Mentoring students and getting to know them on a personal level will prepare me to excel as a high school teacher. I believe the most important quality of a teacher is empathy. While tutoring provides an opportunity to master more technical skills, mentoring high school students offers a chance to build rapport with students. I want to be not only a teacher who makes learning accessible and fun, but a mentor who students can feel comfortable with asking for help. Additionally, I want to encourage students to continue their education after high school graduation. While college is not the right fit for everyone, encouraging students who are interested in higher education is crucial for their success, particularly for students who do not have the support or resources at home. Being a first-generation student, I could not have been a successful college applicant if I had not had support from my