Motivation

1. Why are you here (in the teacher education program, in this class, at UVU)?
I have come to realize that life presents different opportunities at different times. I started college very poor and struggled to find "my sole purpose," and later I dropped out of college feeling totally lost. Three years later I realized more of who I was and the potential possibilities I could achieve with my life, and I could look back on my life with a different perspective. The things I learned about myself and the better changes I made in my life inspired me to help others develop their own life potential.
2. What motivates you?
A lot of things motivate me- need of basic necessities (food, shelter, etc.) and things of a higher order such as potential, self-value and self-improvement. Actually it surprises me (as I become more aware of myself and values) what really does motivate me, for example: I had a very well paying job (for my standards anyway) and I could have become successful but I hated how much I had to sacrifice for the job (I wont go into detail) anyway lesson learned I am not motivated by "unhappy" money!
3. Why do you succeed?
Succeed at what? Because I have failed at things too! I suppose this totally depends on what "success" is. Thomas Edison said "I have not failed. I've just found 10000 ways that won't work." I suppose right now I have a lot more success solely because I have wanted to succeed and know my boundaries for success... I do well at school and my job because I desire to make the most of myself and also maintain my limits, but that doesn't mean I have never failed because I have!
4. Why do you fail?
Most out of many, I fail because I try to over-conquer. Many times in my life I did not know my own limitations, and I tried to succeed in things that I was incapable of accomplishing, as I have matured I have learned my own limitations and my potential. Now I can succeed in things I am exceptional at and capable of doing.
5.How do you need to change your motivations and mindset for this class in order to become a great teacher?
Obviously I am motivated or I wouldn't be in this class today, but learning how to be a teacher is a different mindset and can be frustrating/challenging. For me the motivation comes from my first lesson plans (from last semester Fall 08); I realized I was good at making plans (however slow I am now... I will eventually become faster) and I was deeply proud when I finished my lessons and units. I can imagine the class and discussion in my plans, I can imagine the problems and frustrations, and I can imagine the long nights and days of work... and this motivates me to be a great teacher because I know I can be!