In which I reflect on my course of study

As I'm finishing my undergraduate degree at BYU, I've been reflecting on my journey here. I came to college thinking that I would major in one of the sciences. Instead, I studied Special Education.
 
It's kind of funny the comments each person gets about their choice of study. When I identify myself as a special ed major, people tell me that I must be a patient, very special kind of person. I think that is very kind of them, but it makes me smile, because I know the truth. (and also because it makes me wonder...what does it mean to be a special kind of person?)

Choosing my major was difficult. I used to want to major in a more demanding and impressive major because I felt that people would assume that as an SpEd major, I was not very intelligent or driven.

However, I also was strongly against getting struck by lightning, and it was very clear to me that God wanted me to study special ed. I felt it in my heart and I knew it in my mind. I enjoyed all my volunteering experiences, and I had thought about studying special ed for years. I would have enjoyed being a linguistics or geology major, but that didn't feel right.

I am very grateful that I chose to study SpEd. 

It has helped me become a better teacher - know how to evaluate where my students are and what they need to learn first in order to achieve long-term goals.

It has helped me focus a little less on myself.

I can see that I really have helped people. I have taught people how to

• write a birth date
• give a compliment
• multiply double digits
• count to 20

I have loved people. I'm grateful that I can do that.  I don't think I was very good at teaching or loving people before.  But now I can do it, and it's fun!

Being a special ed major has helped me realize that God is very aware of my abilities, weaknesses, and goals. I have had opportunities to use natural strengths that I already had. I have improved some weaknesses. Also, I've been reminded that God knows my personal goals and will always remember them.

Long story short, I'm sure that you should be a patient person to work in special ed. And you should probably be kind of special, I guess, whatever that means. But those aren't the reasons I chose my path. I did it because it was right for me.