when I returned to school my first work study job was assisting students with learning disabilities in the math and reading labs. Up until that time I had assumed that our minds all worked in basically the same way. But I discovered immediately while tutoring that this was not the case.
Within a short time a work study job opened up at the computer lab at the business center which was more in line with my interests, but what I learned trying to help people with learning disabilities was helpful to me there as well.
I had taken the firefighter civil service test twice before, but each time there were around 5000 test takers for about 30 jobs over three years. At that time half the jobs were set aside for affirmative action and veterans got a several point advantage, so it was a fairly futile exercise. But the format of the written test was changed that year to make it less “discriminatory” toward women and minorities. It was very similar to an SAT which my year back in school had sharpened me up for. So my education was cut short once again when I was hired by the fire department after getting a near perfect score.
I would have to say that what I learned assisting other students in my work study jobs was actually more valuable in my career as a fire officer than what I learned in the classroom. I also gained a healthy respect for the challenges that teachers face... especially math teachers. So thank you for your patience and service to your community.
You also learned that the best way to learn is to teach, But this only works when you understand what your are teaching. Good story. Congrats on making the grade.
I agree with you.
I worked as an engineer in aerospace and as a teacher and coach. The teaching job was far more enjoyable but at the same time not in line with my political beliefs. If and when they find out that you support the President, even if your teaching is perfect — and like everyone else, I made mistakes.
As they say, do what you love and you will not have to go to work at all. I only quit when my health forced me to.
Good FReeping with you. KC