Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

I want to acknowledge the biggest supporter of me achieving success as a professional in education; my dad. As an undergraduate, there was a moment in my life where I was not sure what path to take in my career pursuits. When I began college, I had dreams of becoming a stockbroker on Wall Street and ultimately achieve success through wealth in the stock market. I was not enjoying my coursework at the beginning and at one point almost failed out of my undergraduate pursuit of a degree. With the help of my father, he directed me into a pursuit of a career in teaching. He said, " It doesn't matter how much money you make, what really matters is that you do something that makes you happy and that you enjoy. I know you like to coach, have you ever thought about teaching? You really like sports, how about teaching PE?" This may sound like advice any parent would give, but as an undergraduate with a 1.74 GPA about to flunk out, it was exactly what I needed to hear. I pursued a degree in Physical Education with teaching emphasis and graduated with a 3.01 Cumulative GPA and a degree. I received my first job here in Rapid City and love the opportunity to work with today's youth and am thankful for the guidance of my father in that direction. I realize that my passion for teaching has lead me to administration. A new and tremendous opportunity to work with students in a different way is now in my future plans. Not only will I be able to impact the students in the building in which I work in the classroom, I will be able to work with teachers to help them reach more students in new and exciting ways.

As I stand here today, none of my success in education would have been possible without my own hard work. However, if it was not for the loving guidance of my father, I may not be doing what I am doing today. Thanks Dad!!

I would also like to acknowledge my stepmother Char, my sister Amanda, my Grandparents Bill and Nadine, my Uncle John and Aunt Mindy, and many other supportive figures in my close family that have inspired me and supported my successes during this time. Thank You!!