I wrote this about a year ago upon reflection of my career decisions . . .

Why am I going to be a science teacher? There are two people that I believe have influenced me during my most crucial developmental moments in my life, which have shaped the person I am today. No, I’m not referring to my parents, or even my grandparents.

First, I will begin with the most recent: Mr. Stevens. Mr. Stevens was my grade 9 science teacher. Up until now, I liked science, but had no real passion for it. In elementary school, I excelled more in the language arts fields and geography but it was in high school where I developed my love for science. I’m sure I didn’t have the best teachers in the world, nor was I the best student. I remember learning about cells, animal and plant and making elaborate diagrams labeling all the internal organelles, colour coded and all. I remember learning about the difference between living and non-living things. And in terms of content of the course, that’s about all I remember from grade 9 science. However, there’s one pivotal point that I remember when Mr. Stevens said something to me that influenced me more than I would have been able to realize at the time. We were reading in the text book about environmental issues and about contributing scientist of the time. There was a lady who was researching a way to help filter PCBs* out of the air. Mr. Steven’s turned to me, pointed at the article in the text book and said, “I expect you to do something like this someday.” And that was it, this notion has sat in the back of my mind, being nurtured all these years, slowly releasing itself, until I find myself here, getting my degree in education, after completing a bachelor of science in biology. Mr. Stevens represents what teaching is all about. Not about the formulas, or the text book questions, not about the stages of mitosis or the difference between speed and velocity, but about lifelong ideas and values that will be instilled in the students.

The second person is really more like a fictional character, McGyver. Yes that’s right. What can I say, as a child growing up in the 80’s, there is a deep sense the resourcefulness and mullets ingrained in me. What does this have to do with science? Well have you ever seen an episode of McGyver!? Recently, after collecting all the seasons on DVD I was astonished at the amount of biology, chemistry, physics and environmental issues that are a part of each episode. Realizing this, an “ah ha!” when off in my mind. Looking at my 8 x 10 autographed glossy photo of Richard Dean Anderson, I feel that there is no doubt about the connection between me watching this show as a child when my neural pathways were forming, and the fact that I am a science-loving-sustainability-conscious-earth-hugger, and not to mention quite resourceful myself, which always helps in the teaching profession.

I encourage you all to think about the influential people in your own lives, not only to understand yourself better, but to better understand that we are all influencing someone, in someway, at some point in our lives, and that this is why it is important to be aware of our words and actions.

*PCBs are Polychlorinated Biphenyls, which are chemicals that were manufactured in 1929. For several decades, they were used widely as ingredients in many industrial materials, such as sealing and caulking compounds, cutting oils, inks and paint additives. PCBs were also used to make coolants and lubricants for certain kinds of electrical equipment, such as transformers and capacitors which have been shown to lead to adverse health effects