Should I study Elementary Education?

College Majors
1

<p>For a little background, I'm currently about to be a freshman in college and am planning to major in Software Engineering. I have good grades and great test scores. However, I'm not sure that I would be interested or willing to spend the rest of my life programming computers all day, it sounds king of boring. I've always found technology to be fascinating, but I'm concerned that the degree that I will get will not allow me to do work that is truly important to me. I'm afraid that I only love the front end of technology, and wouldn't be devoted or interested enough to study the intense math, structures, theory, etc. to finish my degree. </p>

<p>Over the last year, I had the opportunity to volunteer in an elementary school class and I absolutely loved and looked forward to it every day. I thought about the kids I was with all the time, about how to help them academically and socially. I was seriously devastated when the school year was over with, because I was worried about them. I have begun to seriously consider changing my major, but I'm concerned that I'm jumping the gun. I've always loved kids, and I would really like to be a principal or superintendent someday. However, the serious lack of pay in education, the lack of respect that educators receive, the limited career options, and the fact that I'm a guy is making me second guess my second guessing. I doubt many girls would find an elementary education major very attractive. Money is important to me in the long run, though I'm not someone who is focused on their image or social life. I also worry about not being challenged academically and intellectually in college.</p>

<p>I feel that I could make a real difference in education, and could do something that is important to both me and others. So many kids these days need role models and I feel that I could be a voice for the underprivileged, the minorities that get the short end of the stick. That's something that really matters to me. I'm not saying I wouldn't like to be an engineer, in fact it sounds great, but being a teacher could also be great. I'm worried about how I'm having to spend more time convincing myself why I should be an engineer, and why I shouldn't be a teacher. Any advice?</p>

2

<p>Hi Frank,</p>

<p>Elementary education needs more passionate male teachers who can serve as role-models and difference-makers. Living a life of meaning may require you to step away from the (extremely misplaced) societal values of monetary gain and prestige. If you are doing good, helping your community, and sharing your talents, you will likely be a content and happy person who found purpose in life. </p>

<p>Yes, you might make more money in engineering, but I think you can find a very comfortable life in education (and the monetary piece can be quite good, especially if you end up as an administrator). You will at least have steady, enjoyable work with strong benefits and the ability to retire someday.</p>

<p>And, I think your interpretation of what women might find attractive is off. A committed, passionate man who enjoys working with children…hmm…my guess is there would eventually be a line of equally amazing women to sign up for that…</p>

<p>Just my take.</p>

<p>Alex Powell
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Wheelock College</p>