Many people ask what makes a successful teacher. When asked, answers vary from person to person, but what is clear is that successful teachers make a long-term, positive impact on their students. Therefore when I decided to become a teacher, I looked for what I could do to make a lifetime, positive influence on students. From my background, I was taught that there are three things that make a lasting difference, and these things are faith, hope, and love.

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Faith

I believe that you must have faith to be a successful educator - faith in yourself and faith in your students. First, an educator must believe they have something unique to offer students. I believe that my experience with the first two years of medical school at West Virginia University gives me a valuable perspective on what it takes to succeed in college. This gives me direction when deciding what and how to teach. I also believe that my talent with technology allows me to stay current and relevant. It allows me to relate to my students in their tech-oriented world. Technology also provides me an opportunity to constantly change how I present information, so class is never boring. It is dynamic and exciting.

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Besides faith in myself, I have faith in my students. Each student has the ability to succeed in life. In a world where relationships are more and more superficial, students want someone to believe in them and to realize their potential. They want someone who will let them shine, and I want to be that person for my students. I want them to use their unique abilities to demonstrate what they have learned and to change their community.

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Hope

I believe that you must have hope to be a successful educator - hope that you are making a difference. It seems that there are two types of teachers: those who put forth effort and those who are just going through the motions. I believe the difference is hope. Believing that I make a difference drives me to do my best. Believing what I do matters pushes me forward when I do not feel like getting ready for work in the morning. I know that I am affecting students and their community, and I am giving my students an advantage that will give them opportunities to succeed in the future and in the present.

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Love

I believe that you must have love to be a successful educator - a love demonstrated by compassion and caring. I care about my students. That should be a teacher's primary concern - their students. Students know which teachers care and those who do not, and students respond accordingly. Students will go the extra mile when they realize that their teacher is looking out for their best interests, and they are more likely to learn in an environment of compassion instead of an environment of animosity or apathy.

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In conclusion, I want to make a lasting, positive influence on my students. I believe that every student has something of worth, and they can succeed. I know that what I do in the classroom makes a difference - a difference that can change individuals and a community. This change comes from caring about my students. This is why I believe a successful educator must have faith, hope, and love.