Noyce Scholar Profile
Sean Brooks
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Physics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Physics, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
California State University Stanislaus
Current academic or teaching status:
5 years
School and school district:
N/A
Background:
Growing up I was an inquisitive child, always asking questions about the world around me. When helping my father with the car or doing work around the yard, I always had questions as to how things worked. This inquisitive nature followed me into my adolescence. In secondary school the subjects that sparked my interest the most were science and math. Though I was not an exemplary student at that time, these subjects always seemed to evoke a great curiosity in me. Prior to returning to college at 31, I became involved in helping troubled youth through a local church. It was during this time (6+ years) that I became acutely aware that for many of these young people education was the key to a new life. This led me to return to college to obtain a B.A. in physics with the goal of becoming a teacher so that I might be able to equip youth to meet the challenges of life and obtain their goals through education.
Why do you want to teach:
Sir Isaac Newton said, “If I have been able to see further than others, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants.” Teachers are small giants who allow the student to stand on their shoulders so that they might see farther than they would on their own. I want to teach so that I might become that giant who provides today’s youth with the education and encouragement to achieve their full potential.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
No single moment stands out, but it is that moment when a student “gets it.” Being able to allow others to see what was previously unseen is that magic moment that stands out every time I am a part of it.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has meant the difference between going it on my own or having the opportunity to be mentored by those who I aspire to be like.
