Motivation

1. Why are you here (in the teacher education program, in this class, at UVU)?
   

• I came to UVU initially to play soccer. I was recruited to play on the Woman's UVU Soccer Team. Once I got here I fell in love with the school and the atmosphere of Utah County! Coming into college I was set on becoming a chiropractor because I loved to help people and I thought it would be a good profession and high paying job. After my first 2 years here at UVU, I realized that I really wanted to be a teacher in the secondary level. I loved coaching and working with kids, and I loved the teacher work schedule. The pay?...Not so much, but I believe that working in the schools is one of the most rewarding professions out there. To be able to effects peoples lives and really make a difference in the world is a great opportunity! I also picked the teaching profession because it is a rather stable career and good for those with families! I am in this class in particular so that I can become a better teacher and better understand my students and how they learn and why they behave as they do! :)
  

2. What motivates you?

• I am the type of person that works better under pressure, for the most part. I'm ashamed to say that I'm NOT much of a self-motivator, so I tend to rely on external support. As least that is what I found in my athletic career. In the classroom, however, I am very motivated to get good grades. I was raised that good grades was a must and luckily I never rebelled in that area! That being said, things that really motivate me are those that have a reward in the end, whether it's emotionally rewarding or physically they are the same for me. I am a rather competitive person so I tend to pick up my game when I have competition. If it is something that I really truly and sincerely desire, I will go after it and achieve it! Nothing can hold me back if I really want something!
  

3. Why do you succeed?

• I succeed because I really want something! I succeed when I put my mind to the task and give myself a reason for my hard work. I need to have a purpose and I will succeed! And if I happen to fall short, I try again until I do success! Throughout my career in school and sports I have been given many opportunities to learn how to succeed and how to fail. Fortunately, I have succeed so far in life and I'm proud of my accomplishments thus far!
  

4. Why do you fail?

• I believe I fail mostly because I lose focus on my purpose or I don't have purpose at all. If I keep my goals in mind and always remind myself why I'm there, I rarely will completely fail. Even during a soccer game; If I lose a game but still play my best because I stayed focused, I still believe that I won to an extent. I think that applies to real life as well. If I put the effort in and do my best I'm still a winner. If I don't reach my maximum goal that I desire, I can evaluate myself and continue to strive for my goal! Life is full of mistakes, it's only if you quit trying is when you truly fail.
  

5. How do you need to change your motivations and mindset for this class in order to become a great teacher?

• I need to realize that not all students are motivated that I am. It is important to understand that concept and learn the different ways in which students are motivated and differentiate for that purpose. I obviously need to be a self-motivated person as a teacher because it won't be often that other teachers or principles are watching and evaluating me. I need to keep an open mind to new ideas and strategies in order to gain more tools for my toolbox!!!