Career Path Of A Science Teacher At Education For Change
Christina's career path was initially focused on medicine, with undergraduate experiences including "a psychology lab," volunteering, and working with international students—all intended to prepare for medical school. However, financial constraints led to a Teach for America opportunity, which unexpectedly revealed a passion for teaching, resulting in a career change and continued work as a teacher.
Career Exploration, Overcoming Challenges, Achieving Goals, Motivational Stories, Non-Traditional Career Path
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Christina Craig
Science Teacher
Education for Change
UC Davis 2015
Loyola Marymount University - Masters in Urban Education
Psychology
Education, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Education
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Christina's career path wasn't initially focused on teaching; she initially planned to become a pediatrician, leading her to pursue relevant internships and volunteer work.
2. Financial constraints after college led her to Teach for America, a two-year commitment that unexpectedly became a lifelong career.
3. Her diverse experiences in college (psychology lab, working with international students, and as a tour guide) unexpectedly prepared her for teaching, highlighting the transferable skills gained through various experiences
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Did you have any internships or jobs before your current role?
Yes, my career path was a little atypical. I had the intention of going to medical school, so everything I did in my undergrad, all my internships and labs, were geared towards that. I worked in a psychology lab and volunteered at the Children's Center because I wanted to be a pediatrician.
I also worked at the Extension Center at UC Davis with international students. My work there was geared around exposing myself to different cultures and learning about people from around the world. I hoped this would help me be a more responsive and effective doctor.
I was also a tour guide. Looking back now, I realize a lot of what I did was geared towards education, but at the time, I didn't think of it that way. I thought it would set me up for success as a doctor.
At the end of my college experience, I realized just how expensive applications for medical school would be, and I did not have enough money. I decided to seek employment to make money in order to apply for medical school.
A co-worker of mine, as a tour guide, introduced me to Teach for America. I signed up with the intention of doing two years and then leaving the classroom. But on day one, I realized I actually really enjoyed being in a classroom.
The more I was in the classroom, the more I realized how much I actually enjoyed this. I've been here since. I started out with the intention of being a doctor, did my two years of service in Teach for America, and after that, I stayed at my school. I am still a teacher today.
Advizer Personal Links
No