Sinclair Math.com

Autobiography

I was home schooled through 8th grade, so when I attended Andrews Academy as a freshman I decided to make the most of my ‘real’ school experience by running for class pastor. I ran again my sophomore year. The two years I spent as class pastor really prepared me for my position as Student Association President. As the elected president of the school body it is my job to organize and run several fun outings and events throughout the year. One event that I especially enjoyed was our SA Children’s Christmas Party, a party for local 1st through 4th graders. We invited 40 financially needy children and gave them attention, food, and presents. Of all the events I have planned this was my favorite. Seeing children enjoy Christmas was a true gift.

Another event I helped plan and organize was our first blood drive. We invited the community and students, 17 and older, to participate. It was a great opportunity to support the community; our school gave enough blood to save about 90 lives. Other events my fellow officers and I have planned include: two SA camp-outs, SA Christmas Banquet, SA Banquet, SA Talent Show, and numerous SA vespers..

When I graduated from the Academy my focus shifted from volunteer leadership positions, to work. Andrews University comes with a price-tag. The first job I got at Andrews, helped shape my teaching career. I became a teacher's assistant, teaching two labs with 30 students each. My work was so fulfilling and exciting I eventually decided to change my major to Secondary Education. During my time as a TA I have taught four general physics labs, one astronomy lab, and one concepts of physics lab. Most recently I have gotten a job making lab equipment for high schools and colleges around the world.

Educational Philosophy

Please refer to my World View paper for a complete picture of my Educational Philosophy

As the pinnacle of God's creation, every human has inherent value. However, this does not mean we are all created equal. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. Teachers must understand this and teach their students accordingly. Not every child has the ability to excel in every subject, but every child has the right to try and excel in every subject. Not only do children walk into a classroom with different skills, they have different learning styles. Teachers must provide the tools of success to each student. This will incorporate many different teaching styles and many different accountability levels.

Personal Mission Statement

I believe that the highest calling in life is service. I hope to live a life that makes a positive impact on those I come in contact with. I have found that true happiness is most easily attainable when one turns the focus of their life outwards. When we ever focus inwards and lead a selfish life the happiness one attains is often short lived, but if one makes a lifestyle of service the happiness associated with helping others can be lifelong.

Math is a subject which fascinates and intrigues me; I want to pass this love for math on to my students. But more important than my one subject, I want to teach my students that a life of learning is a more fulfilling and productive life. I hope to instill in my students a lifelong drive and passion for the unknown. A learning mind is forever young.