Why Disney Movies are just as much for Adults

My original academic statement of purpose states that my purpose for entering this program is to be a forward-thinking, innovative educator of the 21st century. I go on to explain how teaching during the pandemic opened my eyes to technology integration in a new light and that I want to “hone the craft that is teaching in a post-pandemic world.” I was finishing up my fourth year of teaching middle school English and needed a new challenge.

Now that I am in the final stretch of completing my Masters of Arts of Educational Technology (MAET) program, I feel this is an appropriate time to make a confession. Despite what I wrote, there was a part of me that knew I would not return to classroom teaching. I tried to convince myself that it was teacher burnout which is to be expected. I had immense pride as an educator and enjoyed teaching middle schoolers so I did not want to seriously consider the idea that I was craving something else that could not be found in an active teaching role.

In retrospect, the “something else” I desperately wanted to figure out was a growing interest in designing content and materials for learning. It definitely wasn’t curriculum development, but I was not aware of this field of study at the time. It was like an itch on my back I could never quite reach.

"Frozen 2: Into the Unknown" by UMC is licensed under GIPHY DCMA Copyright Policy

During the first few weeks of the program, I still wrestled with the idea of returning to teaching so I decided to let it go - by internalizing Elsa. I journeyed into the unknown until the unknown was no longer unknown. Because I was free from the pressure and fear about an unpredictable future, I was able to fully immerse myself in learning and exploring the diverse pool of engaging content in my courses such as innovative educational technology, instructional design and problem-solving.

So has my purpose changed? Not at all. My purpose remains to be a forward-thinking, innovative educator of the 21st century. I am committed to making a long-term consistent effort as an educational professional. However, diving into the unknown opened my eyes to the possibility of adjusting a goal to fulfill the purpose. This realization occurred with the exceptional guidance of my instructors, support from my fellow colleagues, and a gradual shift in my framework of understanding regarding teaching, learning and technology.

My goal is to acquire the education and skills necessary to effectively design online learning experiences. Effectively designing a learning experience requires an inquisitive mind, a collaborative nature, an empathetic connection to the learners and a level persistence that most Disney characters tend to have. My goal has changed, but nevertheless, supports my purpose.