IV. Essay: Respond to the following quote. Write your essay in the space below. It may
be typed or handwritten in ink. Do not exceed the two pages provided.
Topic: You are now at the close of your career in education. You have been asked
to make comments at your retirement celebration. Write or type in the space below
what you would say to this group of friends and colleagues about your
accomplishments over the years.
When I was a little girl, I can remember wanting to be several things. I desired to be a doctor or nurse
because I knew I wanted to help someone. I aspired to be a policewoman because I wanted to keep young
people out of trouble and off of the streets. Also, I wished to be an artist since I had the ability to express
my thoughts in a way other than conversation. Fifty years later, I have become everything I had desired to
be years earlier. I am a teacher.
In my eyes, I have accomplished so much in my thirty years of teaching. I have helped my students
appreciate the value of a good education and to respect others with an education. I have aided them in their
quest to become more intelligent and better aware of their surroundings. I have made a difference because
I am a teacher.
I am like a doctor in that I have helped so many. Not only did I bandage scraped knees and cut
elbows, I bandaged their emotional frustrations. I cheered them on when they quit, and I praised them
when they accomplished their goals. I sang them songs when they had a “tummy ache,” and I was their
shoulder to cry on when no one else would listen. I am more than a doctor –– I am a teacher. I made a
difference.
I am like a policewoman because I kept my students out of potential troubles. I played cops and
robbers at recess, but I taught my students the importance of interpersonal relations. I tried to teach them to
stay out of gangs, and I tried to show how to be friends with their enemies –– even when they thought it
would be impossible. I am more than a policewoman –– I am a teacher. I made a difference.
Finally, I am like an artist. I have shown all of my students the importance of a good imagination. I
drew the children “Get Well” cards when they were sick and I made them cards that read
“Congratulations!” when they had done something very special. Every year, I was certain never to leave
out a single child. Every student received a card drawn by the teacher –– even the children who never
missed a day or never did anything outstanding. Their cards just said “You’re Special” or “Thanks for
Being You.” All of my students seemed to enjoy my artistic abilities. This made me realize that I am more
than an artist. I am a teacher. I made a difference.
PROTEAM DREAMQUEST CURRICULUM
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