“How old are you even?” The little kids glanced up at me, as they examined my age, which did not match the typical age of a teacher. This was my first time standing in front of a class.
As the child of two Turkish parents deeply dedicated to upholding our Turkish-American heritage, my intrinsic desire was clear—to contribute meaningfully to my tight-knit Turkish-American community by teaching the Turkish language and culture to the younger generation. While the fulfillment of this mission often made me the happiest person in the room, the challenges of teaching at a Saturday school, where students were often reluctant to attend, presented a unique obstacle. Motivation dwindled, and capturing students’ attention became an ongoing struggle.
Yet, in the face of these challenges, my determination to create an engaging and enriching learning environment remained strong.
As a former student, I could see things from a different perspective than older Turkish teachers, some of whom had a language barrier with the students who had not yet learned Turkish. The ability to effectively communicate with my students and approach the world from their point of view made this learning opportunity more enjoyable for us all. Recognizing the importance of a conducive learning atmosphere, I planned a curriculum that incorporated enjoyable games and incentives through candies for active participation. For students who were struggling, I created a personalized curriculum by reaching out to their parents and meeting with them outside of school.
Over time, the class transformed into a close-knit community where my students looked forward to connecting with one another and wanting to learn. Beyond instructing them, I aimed to help them improve as individuals. I wanted them to succeed, not for me or their parents, but for themselves. I certainly learned from my students and hope that each and every one of them learned something from me. This experience has instilled in me a proactive mindset to consider individuals' unique perspectives and motivations. I aim to carry this awareness forward, using it to build meaningful relationships in college and beyond.