The last year of high school is a crucial year for students, they have to make a life choice: choose their future profession. Mrs. Macaulay, an art teacher at Mineral Point, never intended to teach at first. In this article, she shares interesting things about her journey to become a teacher.

When did you know what you wanted to do later?
I did not know what I wanted to do in high school so, after my graduation, I went into cosmetology and did a specialization to do hair. I worked in this field for a little over a year and realized it was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I then registered at UW Platteville. Just at first to start taking classes and getting involved in tutoring students. But I immediately loved it. That’s when I started art education.

Why did you choose to do this job?
I love education and working with kids. Plus art is my passion. The job of an art teacher is the only one able to group my two passions together.

What were your favorite classes in high school?
My favorite classes were already art classes. I also enjoyed a lot of music classes.

Was UW Platteville your first college choice? And why did you choose this campus?
Yes, it was. I chose this college because it was the closest to home and so the easiest for me.

What were your favorite things on the UW Platteville Campus?
My favorite class on campus was Bruce Howdle’s drawing class. He was my favorite professor and I loved his classes.I also greatly appreciated participating in clubs. I was able to get to know people and just got involved in different things. I had so much fun getting involved in different clubs on campus! I recommend all students to participate in clubs.

What was your favorite place on the UW Platteville Campus?
The art building. Probably because I was an Art major but also because It was where I frequented people who had the same interests as me.

Where was your first job as a teacher?
My first position was here, at Mineral Point Middle School and High School. I got this job right after my college graduation.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.