Introduction
After attaining my university degree, I am contemplating to jumpstart my career in the educational field by working as a high school counselor or as an autistic children’s teacher at the elementary level. My passion for serving as a high school counselor was ignited by a high school counselor known as Mr. Selby, who I acknowledge as my academic mentor. He always urged me to aim for the highest in whatever I decided to engage in.
According to him, anything falling short of the best was not worth settling for. I regard him as my hero and he is a wonderful and incredible person to be around. Striving for the best is one particular element of life that I believe is worth learning and practicing at the high school level. High school students are often disillusioned and I consider it very crucial to provide them with guidance in matters that are related to their progress and development either academically or personally (Kirwan, 1984).
My Career
My other optional career involves being an elementary school autistic children’s teacher. My passion for teaching autistic children is evoked from a personal experience where my niece named Jessica is autistic and I love her very much. She has challenged and stimulated my thoughts especially through her courage in facing life. She has shown me that anything in the world is achievable with the right mentality and hard work.
Jessica is very courageous and is afraid of nothing some of which elicit fear among other children her age. She also a very social and lively child and loves talking to people which makes me realize the big heart I have for autistic children. Being around Jessica enables me to realize the potential autistic children have which should be molded in a way that will benefit them in the long run. Further to this, I can understand the needs of these children and give my best to meet them. I love children, but for autistic children, I have a soft spot for them.
My high school counselor, Mr. Selby was quite a mature man in his mid 50’s which made his advice worthwhile. Not only was he mature age-wise but also in his character as a teacher, parent, and colleague. As a teacher, Mr. Selby had taught many students and was therefore able to deal with many issues in their extremes that faced the students. He preferred dealing with a single student as opposed to students in groups and was fond of listening attentively as well as writing the student’s issues down.
His ability to understand and relate which are critical in counseling made me like this profession where I could assist students in achieving and fulfilling their dreams (Corey, 2005). For Jessica, her joy in life irrespective of her health condition drove me towards considering a teaching career for other autistic children. Although they faced a deadly health condition, they could be able to live normal lives through pursuing and achieving their dreams. Her positive attitude towards life and the lack of fear was crucial in deciding to become a professional elementary teacher for autistic children.
Conclusion
In enabling me to accept assistance, I began by acknowledging the fact that I need help. After this, I sought somebody who could understand the nature of my problem and would be there to see me through the solution phase. I needed someone who would guide me through and review my progress. By evaluating my progress, I was able to know if I am headed in the right direction. Lastly, I had to get out of my ‘comfort zone’ and be ready for any effective solution proposed to me. Accepting change requires one to be ready to undertake the solution irrespective of their comfortability (Corey, 2005).
References
Corey, G. (2005) Theory of Practice of Counseling & Psychotherapy, 7th Ed. Denver: Elsevier Pub.
Corey, G. (2005) Manual for Theory & Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy, 7th Ed. Denver: Elsevier Pub.
Kirwan, W.T. (1984) Biblical Concepts for Christian Counseling: A Case for Integrating Psychology & Theology. Washington: Wiley Pub.