Amie Roberts

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

I entered college not knowing exactly what I wanted to do, but most of my background and interests pointed to Psychology. I decided to major in Psychology and see if I could find a more specialized interest later in my studies. I also decided to Minor in Community Health since I have a passion for health and fitness. I was able to complete my Bachelor's Degree in 3 years since I took college classes in high school that transferred to my degree. However, looking back, I might have wanted that extra year to figure out exactly what I wanted to do. I graduated in 2013 and knew I would have to go for my Master's to get a career as a psychologist or social worker. I interned for Child Abuse Prevention Services, where I went into classrooms and taught anti-bullying and child safety workshops. I loved being in the classroom and working with children, so I looked towards a career in Social Work (in a field related to children's welfare). I also became a swimming teacher and supervisor and realized I love working with children. I put two-and-two together and since I loved teaching workshops during my internship, I realized that I would love to be a teacher. I have always had teaching as my career in the back of my mind as what I really wanted to do, but the job market where I live is so difficult for teachers that everyone around me discouraged me from pursuing this career. Eventually, I decided that it is better to do what makes me happy and just work extra hard to try to find a job later. I also thought that I could move to another location if necessary since I will be happy in my career. It is such a difficult decision deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life, and I definitely ran through many ideas of what I wanted to do. But I am 100% sure and happy in the decision I made to go for my Master's in Childhood Education. Even though it is a tough path, I believe everyone should choose what makes them happy and try to pursue just that. You don't want to look back and realize that you would have been happier doing something else. I also recommend trying many various experiences to help you realize what you like and don't like. Even if you have a part-time job, or volunteer somewhere, and realize you hate it, it is still a worthwhile experience because you realize what you don't want. I wouldn't have realized I wanted to be a teacher if I didn't have the internship and job experience I had in the past.