"I am of the opinion that, in order for students to maximize their learning potential, and effectively collaborate on concepts and ideas, an instructor must create and facilitate an environment built on comfort, trust, and respect. Often times, in today’s world of academia, professors fail to capture their students’ interest, leaving them feeling unfulfilled and wanting more. Throughout my career as a teacher, I have always placed an emphasis on engaging with students on a personal level to tap into what they really need as an individual. I think we as instructors have a responsibility to our students to guide, mentor and educate them beyond lectures, quizzes, and homework.

For the past two years, I have been a teaching assistant at the University of North Texas, where I also received my Master’s of Science degree in Applied Geography. Although I was not a full professor, I was solely responsible for four lab sections of Earth Science each semester. It was my job to lecture on the material, guide and teach students the techniques and skills needed to successfully complete each lab, administer quizzes and tests, maintain records, and hold office hours. In this respect, I viewed my position as much more than merely an assistant.

With this position came a great amount of responsibility. It was not long ago I found myself on the other side of the classroom, sitting among young students trying to find what they wanted to become, and learning from professors. Some of those professors had a profound effect on my development as both an adult and a student. I still remember many of the lessons I learned throughout my academic career, and I keep in contact with several of my professors from both my undergraduate and graduate schools. This is why I understand what type of position we as instructors are in for these students. We have a unique ability to educate and instill positive morals to these kids that other people in other professions simply do not. I think being an effective educator is about recognizing this p" less...