Running Head: S.

CAZEAU ABE

Spring 2019 Samantha Cazeau

Samantha Cazeau
COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO
S. CAZEAU ABE 1

Samantha Cazeau Autobiographical Essay

Becoming a teacher was not an easy decision for me. Much of my life has been adding up

to this point. Through examining my education, work history, extracurricular activities and

community service, the reasons I want to teach, and my current goals, it is evident my passion to

become a teacher is strong.

Education Section

My education began in Pocatello. I attended Century High School in from 2011-2015.

After graduating with high-honors and a 4.3 GPA due to Advance Placement classes, I began

college at Idaho State University. Originally, due to a love of music and teaching, I decided to

pursue Music Education. After two years, I decided as much as I loved music, I enjoyed it more

as a hobby. During my time as a music education major, I learned how music effects the brain

and the many benefits and uses it has in every classroom.

Spring of 2018, my husband and I decided to move to Twin Falls to be closer to family.

At this point, I transferred to the College of Southern Idaho. I plan to graduate with an associate

degree in Special Education. This change in majors was inspired by the time I spent in the

Special Education classroom in high school, the many people I knew who had gone into the

field, and, most importantly, the love I have for students with special needs.

Work Section

For me, work and college came together. The first job I got was while I was attending

Idaho State University (ISU). I qualified for a grant through the university and got a job at Aid

For Friends Homeless Shelter in Pocatello. During my two years there, my job included a wide

range of tasks from typical receptionist items such as answering phones and filing documents to
S. CAZEAU ABE 2

larger roles such as assisting the planning of the Southeast Idaho Homeless Stand Down.

Organizing the Stand Down was the largest of my tasks which I spent most of my time doing.

During the summer between my first and second semesters at ISU, I worked for the Boy

Scouts of American at Treasure Mountain Scout Camp. While there, I served as the Archery

Director. This was my first experience teaching large groups. I taught all about archery including

the maintenance of a bows, how to make one, and how to shoot one properly. After being

Archery Director, I became a Commissioner. As Commissioner, I led multiple boy scout troops

thought their daily schedules, taught first aid, and led the rest of the staff.

Once my husband and I moved to Twin Falls, I took a job at Step Ahead Learning Center

and Preschool. I have been at this job now for a year. I have done many things during my time at

Step Ahead including taking care of children from one to six years of age, prepared and taught

many lessons, and made food for all students in the school. Additionally, I have performed

various

Service/Extracurricular Section

In addition to work, being in my community has been a large part of my life. From a very

young age, I have always been a part of the Southeastern Idaho Homeless Stand Down and the

Idaho Field of Heroes. At the Stand Down, we strive to provide essential services to the

homeless community of Pocatello and surrounding areas. Some of these include showers, job

services, and clothing. The Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial is a project that takes place in the

soccer fields every Memorial Day weekend. A marker is placed for every member of the military

who has lost their lives during the War on Terror.

During 7th grade, I became active in choir. Music has been a huge part of my life since.

During high school, I participated in multiple festivals and competitions. By my sophomore year,
S. CAZEAU ABE 3

I had advanced to the honor choir, Century Singers. Next, I joined the Drama Department. For

the next three years, I participated in the technical side of drama in a variety of rolls including

costume design, set design and building, and stage-managing during performances. Eventually, I

began writing pieces. Senior year, I took 4th in state pantomime and 4th in set design.

Additionally, during my sophomore year, I joined the school newspaper, The Snakeskin,

staff. I began as a writer, but quickly moved into Assistant Editor, and my last two years I served

at Editor-in-Chief. In 2015, The Snakeskin was awarded the best school newspaper in Eastern

Idaho.

Why Teach?

With the various experiences I have had, I have formed my goals for educating. As a

teacher, I hope to inspire students with special needs to follow their dreams. Every child has

dreams, and students with special needs are no exceptions. I want my students to know the thing

that makes them different isn’t a disadvantage; it’s a gift. It is something that makes them special

and gives them abilities no one else has. They have a future, and it is whatever they want it to be.

I also aspire to show my students they are loved. Yes, they are different, but that doesn’t make

them any less important or worthy of love.

Goals

In addition to goals for how I want to teach, I have many goals for my life. My husband

and I are planning to by a house either the end of this year or beginning of next. A year or two

after we have our house, we are planning to start a family and have children. Next year, I should

be able to graduate with my associate degree in special education. Once I have my associate

degree, I plan to transfer to a four-year university and earn a bachelor’s degree in special

education. With my degrees, I plan to get a job at a school as a special education teacher.
S. CAZEAU ABE 4

Conclusions

My passion to become a teacher is evident through examining my education, work

history, extracurricular activities and community service, the reasons I want to teach, and my

current goals, I know who I am and who I want to be. I am grateful for my life experiences

which have taught me these things.