Getting to Know You: Hannah DeGarmo
Hannah DeGarmo – Elementary Education
Hometown: Lolo, Montana
Year: Sophomore
Why do you want to become a teacher?
I want to become a teacher to help students navigate through life in a confident, healthy, and joyful manner, instead of simply going through the motions. I want them to learn how to love every moment, even the boring ones.
What are you most passionate about when it comes to being a teacher?
Something I am very passionate about with teaching is the opportunity to inspire and influence the next generation. I believe that if students are taught with love, confidence, and encouragement, they will start to influence the people around them and will enjoy learning that much more.
What/who inspired you to become a teacher?
My 7th and 8th-grade social studies teacher, Mr. Johnson, is the person who inspired me to become a middle school teacher. I always knew that I wanted to be an educator, but his teaching style is what encouraged me to pursue teaching middle school. He taught all of his students with respect and encouraged us to be the best versions of ourselves. Mr. Johnson didn’t treat us like children but instead treated us like the adults we were so quickly becoming. Ever since then, I knew I was going to become a teacher so that I can affect students in the way that Mr. J affected me.
What do you hope to achieve in this career?
I hope to be an inspiration to my students. I want to teach in a way which shows them I care for them and that they are important. Middle school is a hard time for children, emotionally and physically and I strongly believe that if teachers took the time to get to know their students, everyone will be happier. Teaching is not simply a profession, but a way of life.
What impact do you hope to have on your future students?
I want to be a positive influence on my students. I hope to leave them with a confidence in themselves above all else. I want my students to understand that they are special and that whatever they are going to be pursuing in their future, they should pursue it with their whole heart.