Neon Arieta Osa

Tell us about your work/ research. What kinds of things do you do?

As a science teacher, my primary responsibility is developing lesson plans and instructing science lessons daily. When not actively engaged in the classroom, I prepare lessons, assignments, and tests to facilitate learning. I also grade assignments and evaluate overall student performance to identify improvement areas. My ultimate goal is to provide my students with a comprehensive understanding of scientific concepts and ensure they receive a quality education. By dedicating myself to these responsibilities, I can help my students become well-equipped to face future challenges and become successful in life.

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

I chose to become a science teacher because of the sheer joy and excitement I feel when I see my students learn and experience their ah-ha moments. Witnessing my students grasp scientific concepts that were once difficult for them is one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had in life. I find educating and sharing my knowledge with my students fun and exciting, and I take pride in the fact that I can contribute to their intellectual growth and development. As a science teacher, it is an honor to play a part in shaping my students' future. I am grateful for the opportunity to do so daily with a comprehensive understanding of scientific concepts and to ensure they receive a quality education. By dedicating myself to these responsibilities, I can help my students become well-equipped to face future challenges and become successful in life. 

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

At American Samoa Community College, my first department head and education department instructors significantly influenced my teaching career, constantly encouraging me to strive for improvement and explore new teaching methods. The positive influence of my science colleagues and students has been equally significant in driving me to excel in my career. Their support and motivation have played a vital role in my continuous efforts to provide the best education possible for my students.

What element of your work/ study do you think is the most fascinating?

The most fascinating part about teaching science is engaging students in fun, hands-on activities that inspire and empower students to study and love science or STEAM. Such as teaching chemical reactions and seeing the in-awe of students when witnessing the changes of substances from one to another is what makes my work enjoyable and fascinating.

How did you get involved with Ocean Exploration Trust? How did you become part of the expedition team?

I started applying for OET after learning about the program from our NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Education Coordinator.  OET and the National Marine Sanctuary are collaborators in developing expeditions thus season. 

What other jobs led you to your current career?

Choosing a teacher career is the most fulfilling yet rewarding career I've yet to explore. I became a teacher right after acquiring a degree in education. While attending school to become a teacher, I've come across educators who have dedicated their teaching careers to educating student teachers like me. I have participated in social and community events that promote student learning, diversity, and student educational success in many ways. I was always shy and intimidated by a lot of things. However, these features started disappearing when I realized that building my teacher career needed confidence and the ability to strengthen my people networking skills. I am now enjoying stepping into my teacher educational career, and the joy of meeting new people to expand and assist with teaching resources is one of the most important skills I have as a teacher.

What are your degrees and certifications?

Bachelor in Education - American Samoa Community College 2023
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation & First Aid - 09/2023

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy participating in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, I also enjoy listening to music and reading thrillers.
 

What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?

If you want to become a teacher, always know that no education or amount of training will prepare you enough to become a teacher. To deal with and handle the little bodies and curious minds you are to mold for success. Teaching requires a load of patience, knowledge, and a whole lot of educational training. It also requires you to step out of your comfort zone and socialize with your teacher colleagues; they mostly turn a wild day into a better one by understanding what you have gone through that day. Teaching is an exciting career for those who are built for it, to inspire children and engage them in learning to develop solutions for real-life situations in the near future. If teaching and molding minds for a better tomorrow is in you, join the club of educators, caressing their sanity daily with the love of teaching!