Running head: AUTOBIOGRAPGICAL ESSAY 1

Autobiographical Essay

Mashalee Thomas

Instructor: Evin Fox

EDUC 201: Foundations of Education

Fall 2018
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL ESSAY 2

Autobiographical Essay

Educational Background

I was born and raised in Blackfoot, Idaho. I have lived here all my life. I was fortunate

enough to attended Little Spuds Preschool. I then attended Wapello Elementary School for all of

my early educational years. I then attended my secondary education at Mountain View Middle

School grades sixth through eighth. For my last four years of school, I attended Blackfoot High

School. Once I graduated high school, I headed off to the college of Boise State University to

further my education and continue being a Bronco. Although my love for Boise will always be

strong, I had to make a change. Once my freshman year ended, I realized that my financial status

wasn’t going to allow me to continue my college career at BSU. Therefore, I recently transferred

from BSU to CSI and am currently enrolled as sophomore in college.

Education has always been on of my top priorities. I was very blessed and participated in

many special programs throughout my childhood. Luckily, I had amazing teachers guiding me

along the way. My favorite thing about living in a small-town people generally grow up with the

same teachers and peers throughout years. I tended to get teachers that have had or will have my

parents/siblings. That really helped me get to know my teachers not only on an educational level

but grow of a more personal relationship with them. Which I have come to know that has built

such a strong background on my education today.

Work History

I started babysitting my siblings for my mom at the age of 10 years old. This sparked my

interest in childcare. Ever since then, I have continued to nanny kids. Although I got my first real

job during the summer of my junior year. I began to work at the fast food chain, Burger King.
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL ESSAY 3

There I learned great customer service and how to work in a fast pace environment, efficiently. I

then decided that I didn’t have a passion for fast food and decided to work for the school

district’s seasonal after-school program. I absolutely enjoyed that job! I was the assistant teacher

who helped plan, assist in Common Core homework, and daily activities. I then moved to Boise

and continued to work with children at a daycare facility. There I was a floater and I got to gain

experience in all types of care. When I moved back home to Blackfoot this last summer. I

received a job and am currently working in Melaleuca’s Daycare as assistant teacher, and at a

children’s clothing store as a sales associate. All of my current and past jobs have helped me

develop into a better educator due to preforming, planning, and assisting in a teacherly manner.

Extra-curricular

Ever since I can remember, I have been part of some type of extra-curricular activities. I

was on our Downtowns Dance travel team from the ages of 9-16 years old. Once I entered high

school, I then decide to join our spirit squad. I was always cheering on every sport, at assemblies,

and educational programs. In the little spare time I had I was doing CrossFit and was part of the

Blackfoot High School art club. I had the opportunity to take the CNA course in high school.

Working with the elderly and seeing how fast life goes by taught me that all the little things

matter in life. So that gave me the idea to make a change in someone else life. For my senior

project I worked with the organization Samaritans Purse to provide Christmas to children who

don’t receive anything. With the help of my community I was able to provide over 120

Christmas shoeboxes. I gave over 120 children hope, joy and love just by one shoebox. As I

continue to grow I hope to continue giving children Christmas. All of these activities have taught

me teamwork, creativity and how to help others. I have gained a since of leading, dedication and

have become aware of the world around me.

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL ESSAY 4

Reasons for Choosing Education

The first time I considered education was back in middle school when I had my

geography class with the most inspirational teacher, Mrs. Carly Christenson. She gave me the

passion to travel, to teach and to save the world by one small step at a time. But the older I got

the more I found interest in other career paths. I have considered working in the medical field, as

a flight attendant or a criminal investigator. I then found out that needles have never been for me

and I like people alive better then dead. I was undeclared until this semester at College of

Southern Idaho. I recently just declared Education because for every job, my interest or when I

find myself the happiest is when I’m surrounded by children. I also find enjoyment when I’m

decorating the classrooms at my current job and getting lessons prepared for each month.

Hearing the children’s stories, making crafts and watching each child grow is how I invasion a

perfect career.

Reflecting over the reason teaching became my desire and my drive, helping children

was the answer to ever scenario for me. I will be influencing and creating the future for many of

our youths. Helping a child believe in themselves and providing the skills and the

encouragement they need. Impacting a child, outside of their home, may go without recognition

however, I’m teaching because I look forward to more of the internal rewards then the external.

Professional Goals

One of my short-term goals is to get my degree in Education and to be able to travel

somewhere out of the country soon. I’m going to achieve this goal by completing all courses

required for the degree and working as fast and efficient as possible. In the mean time I will be

putting aside money to take a mental break from life on a beach in Greece. Most of my goals or

going to take a long time to achieve. Some of my long-term goals is being a flight attendant and
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL ESSAY 5

teaching courses online to students well I’m traveling the world. I then hope to when I’m in these

other countries to make a difference in someone’s life and adopt children from everywhere. As

I’m doing all of these things I hope to be debt free and a professional CrossFitter. How I’m going

to accomplish these is going to take a lot of dedication and hard work. Once I get my degree I’m

going to try and get on the airport, As I am doing that I’m going to put money aside and

hopefully as fast as possible pay off all of my debt. In the mean time I will be getting in shape

and working at my body every day.

When I predict my future it looks like I’m a CrossFitter experiencing the world, teaching

my adopted children, debt free.