Introduction

Hello, My name is Amelia Gillman; I am a graduate student at Buffalo State pursuing my master’s degree in elementary education. I also received my undergraduate degree from Buffalo State in Hospitality Administration. I spent the last 10 years of my life in the hospitality industry and although I did love it, my true passion lies in working with and educating children. I am incredibly happy with my decision to pursue my teaching degree and quite literally, follow my dreams of being a teacher.

I have always enjoyed working with children. When I was about 9 years old my oldest sister had her first child, which began my babysitting career. I was also a camp counselor at a local youth center as well as a dance instructor for many years. My mother just retired from teaching 35 years so I always looked up to her as a teacher and wanted to be one myself. I used to play “school” in my basement with a chalkboard and fake students. I always knew I’d be a teacher one day. Upon graduating high school, the job market for teachers in the area was tough to get into and I had no desire to move away from my family to get a job so I really had to make a decision quickly; which is when I chose to go to school for hospitality. Now with the job market changing in the area for teaching, I have chosen to follow my passion and go back to school to be a teacher!

In my free time I enjoy spending quality time with my family, friends, and my dog. I also really love to travel. Aside from going to school full time, I am still working in the restaurant industry as a waitress part-time. I hope that one day I will be able to combine my passion for teaching and the hospitality industry by teaching some culinary/hospitality courses.