Candice+Schneegold

Gazing back upon my adolescent years, I can vividly recall a ‘defining moment.’ I was an inquisitive ten-year-old fifth grader at Pine Hill. (When I attended school here, the Pine Hill building was grade 5-6). I remember a girl with special needs, Erica, who could only reply via sign language…she sat at a cafeteria table during lunch with other students with multiple disabilities. I remember watching her struggle to communicate. I waved at her one day in the cafeteria and with her face aglow she waved back at me. Soon thereafter, I taught myself the sign language alphabet through photographs within the pages of a dilapidated library book. When I deemed myself ready I proudly told Erica my name --spelling out the letters individually because I hadn’t learned how to sign complete sentences or phrases. She signed back and it was at that moment I knew my purpose in life… Throughout my education, I strived for perfection and paved my road to the top with high grades, sports, school involvement and the yearning desire to be the best. I realized that through my caring disposition, I performed superlative when I was helping others in need. Teachers seemed to always pair me with ‘new’ students in class or struggling learners because they knew I would be genuine and helpful. Leading others was in my blood as I had a bleeding heart for those less fortunate. As class president my senior year, I remember giving the last speech to my fellow classmates, teachers and parents. Villa Maria College was packed and my nerves chilled tiny bumps of ice up my arms as I stood before the podium. My parents were my biggest supporters and after walking down those steps I thought it would be the last time I would be part of such a strong camaraderie of classmates, friends, families and teachers. The University at Buffalo was my next tackle and I already had plans for grad school as a freshmen. I earned a 4.0 GPA but I buried my head in books, volunteered on endless committees and kept graduation goals within arms reach. Two individuals I had met during grad school escorted me to my next mission… they were two students with special needs that were auditing classes. They were lead by a persistent life skills coach who carefully ironed the quarks of their schedules and infinite difficulties on campus. I soon took them under my wing and assisted them with lecture note taking, test preparations, and helped them be successful the best way I knew how. We branched out into the community, attended musicals, worked on social skills at fancy restaurants and had ultimately developed a friendship. When I was hired for my teaching position here at CCHS, all of those memories that I once thought were locked up within these school walls echoed back to me. Teaching side by side with those that once taught me is ultimately gratifying. Continuing to grow as a teacher, I believe I have ascertained many lessons; just when I thought I’ve given as much as I could possibly give, I haven’t given enough. There are always students that are suffering from hard times and I must be cognizant of their struggles. I may have a bad day but I must put that behind for the students come first. I might have to defend a student even if they have done me wrong. Embrace the ones that reject help the most. Model expectations...do not expect. Always praise and encourage. Cheektowaga Central has instilled in me a notion of distinction and accomplishment. Without the teachers here who guided me, supported me, lifted me up when I needed wings, I wouldn’t have come as far as I have. Moreover, those ‘defining moments’ molded me into the charismatic and nurturing adult that I have grown to become. Each day when I perform as a teacher, I am reminded that every student should embrace their every aspiration to lead their own legacy. I am certain I am leading mine, as I know in my heart as a teacher we are the last adults to forget what it is like to be a kid.