Growing up in a household and family of educators there was never a question as to education being a priority; it was the priority. Both of my parents were teachers, my grandparents were teachers and many of my aunts, uncles and great aunts and uncles were educators so naturally there was a great amount of value placed on education and the life-long benefits that obtaining education brings. As I created my family genogram I found that I come from a long line of hardworking, driven individuals whether they worked in education or not. I also discovered that it did not matter the gender on both sides of my family everyone had a career that they were well pleased with and felt called to do.
Upon reflection, I realized that my father's side of the family for the most part went on to pursue collegiate education where as on my mother's side she was the first in her family to receive a college education. The military is where the men on my mother's side of the family received their training which seems to be tied to the world events that were going on in their early adult years. Neither of my grandmothers had any formal education or training beyond high school and were both homemakers until their children were grown and then worked outside of the home. Although they did not have formal education; these ladies taught my generation how to treat one another, how to care for others and how to work hard and these life lessons have been invaluable to all of us.
As a result of what I have learned from my parents, grandparents and I what I have learned during my 12 years of teaching I feel led to pursue a career in school counseling. I find great joy in sitting down with my students and talking about their futures and helping them prepare for them. Many of my students will be the first one in their family to pursue a college education or training beyond high school that will provide them with career opportunities that their parents and grandparents never had and if I can help them prepare for a successful and productive life; then I will have done what I was meant to do.
