10577 68th Ave, Allendale, MI 49401616-401-3585groeneveld1jl@alma.

edu

Jared Groeneveld
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Jared Groeneveld and I was raised in Allendale, Michigan. Growing up in Allendale
was a great experience. It is a rural community that has seen a large influx of people in the last
few years. This has given the community a small town feel with a younger population that is
more diverse than ever before.
I am the middle child of five children in family. Being the middle child I have an older brother and
sister as well as a younger brother and sister. We have always had a close bond with each
other mostly due to the fact that we were all homeschooled through our middle school years. My
older brother went to school when he was in eighth grade. I would follow in his footsteps and go
to school in eighth grade as well. Being homeschooled allowed me to learn at my own pace and
this has given me a different perspective on differentiated learning. My siblings, parents and
other family members have always been very close to me and this has allowed me to see the
importance of family involvement in schooling. Education was always emphasized in my family
as well as being the best person and role model I could be for other people. I am a first
generation college graduate along with my older siblings and my parents are very proud of this.
While I was homeschooled I was always involved in sports and different activities. I started
wrestling when i was four years old and playing football in second grade. Through these
activities I have come to learn the importance of hard work, integrity and being a team player.
Wrestling has been a huge part of my life not only because I continued to wrestle at Alma
College, but it is a bond I have forged with my dad, brothers and different friends. Wrestling has
tested me both physically and mentally which has allowed me to see the importance of sports
and other school activities to students in today's world. These groups allow students to find
people and things that they can identify with that will help them see the importance of a good
education. During my high school and college years I always made it a point to help with the
youth wrestling programs because this was a way I could help pass on the lessons that
wrestling has taught me. Sports are also very important to me and I have always wanted to be a
high school coach. Teaching also gives me the best possibility of being a successful coach.
There have been many different jobs and careers that I have thought about pursuing throughout
my life. It was not until my second semester in college that I decided to be a teacher. Previous
to this decision, I was interested in being a physical therapist. My second semester of college I
took an introductory education course that allowed me to have a placement in a high school.
Once I was in the class and interacting with students, I knew this was the profession that I
belonged in.
I have come to realize through my schooling at Alma College that teaching is one of the most
demanding but rewarding careers a person can have. As a teacher you can directly impact
teenagers in a positive manner much more efficiently than any other profession. Alma College
has given me the tools, knowledge, and experiences to become a highly qualified and effective
teacher in today's world.