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Essay / Why I Became an Educator - 515
I have always tutored and helped others in math and science, but about eight years ago, while pursuing my master's degree in biology wildlife, I took a few courses that changed my life. These classes (natural resource interpretation and environmental education) opened my eyes to the fact that I wanted to become an educator. I loved my education classes and discussed with my major advisor that I wanted to get involved in education. As an Extension specialist, my advisor was very involved in education and community outreach and could help me pursue education as a career. He offered me the opportunity to coordinate Utah's WHEP (Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program), a 4-H wildlife education program. I accepted the position and ran the program for three years. During my tenure as Utah WHEP Coordinator, I worked with youth (ages 11-19), teaching them about wildlife, their habitats, and management. With this experience, I knew that I had definitely found my calling. While I was finishing my studies, I was recruited to be a wildlife officer....