Teaching the Teachers

Transcript

Okay, let’s hit over and meet Erin, an education major who’s chosen Sam Houston State’s nationally ranked College of Education to help her become an elementary teacher. She is waiting for us near Austin Hall, which is located on the historic end of campus. Austin Hall is the oldest building, west of the Mississippi River to be used continuously by an educational institution. And it’s the oldest structure on the Sam Houston State campus. Erin, please take it away.

– Thanks Alex. Hi everyone. I’m Erin Griffin and I’m a senior here at Sam Houston State, majoring in education. Ever since I can remember, pursuing my education has been a big goal of mine. ‘Cause I knew that a good education would help me overcome the many obstacles I faced while growing up. Due to unfortunate events, my family and I were homeless for a while. So my mom’s sister and I frequently moved around Texas to stay with different family or friends that could help us. Nevertheless, I challenged myself in every way that I could in school ’cause I knew that was the key to securing a brighter future for myself and for my family. The day that I graduated high school in the top 5% of my class, I knew that my hard work had paid off. But, I also knew that I wasn’t done yet. Since education impacted my life so much, I decided to become a teacher because I wanted to positively impact the lives of others through education as well. The start of my journey here, at Sam Houston State University. Sam Houston was founded as a teacher’s college right here in one of our most iconic buildings, Austin Hall. In 1879, four faculty members set out to make teachers out of their first 110 students. While we don’t hold classes in this building anymore, we do still a whole special events here, which students are always excited to attend. To this day, teaching is an integral part of our university culture. With a nationally ranked education program, I knew I would have the opportunity to be the best teacher I could be here at Sam Houston. With a ride of variety of helpful resources available to students, I’ve been able to take care of myself and become financially stable for the first time in years. I know that my hard work and dedication to my education has opened up opportunities that I never thought I would have. My time here at Sam Houston State is just one piece of my journey, which I am thankful for every single day. I look forward to teaching, mentoring and caring for my future students, just as all of my teachers and professors have done for me. Anything is possible with an education. Thanks for letting me share my story. Now back to you, Alex.

– Erin, what a journey you have had up to this point in life. I know your time in the College of Education is gonna prepare you to be an amazing teacher. Students would be very lucky to be in Miss Griffin’s class. Thanks for sharing your story, cheers Erin.