When I started brainstorming about who I was going to interview for this paper and the first person who came to mind was Scott Uptmore. His story started off uniquely, a computer programmer turned creative writer through a chance encounter with a blind poet. I just had to know the answer to the question that almost sounds like the beginning of a riddle. “How did the blind teacher teach creative writing?” I soon learned the answer, “It was with an amazing amount of passion!” I just had to find out how someone’s love of computer programing could morph into a true passion for writing. In Mr. Uptmore ’s case, this transformation occurred in his third year of college.
When I entered his classroom, which is where he spends most of his time, …show more content…
Uptmore that he switched his major from computer programming to creative writing. He told me about the credit hours he lost in the transfer and how he didn’t care because he had finally found something he was truly passionate about, not just good at. He continued on and got his degree, but said that there was so much more to learn. He said he had never really considered being a teacher, but wanted a career that would allow him the time to write creatively, without starving. He was specializing in Film in graduate school, when he had a teacher approach him to help teach a sophomore level ‘Intro to Cinema’ class of 180 students. He accepted the offer and it was through this experience that he was introduced to teaching. It was at that moment that he decided to look into teaching as a career, since it would afford him the time during the winter and summer to concentrate on writing. A bachelor's degree is required for a teaching certificate but he also has his Master’s Degree in English.
Mr. Uptmore proudly confesses he is a nerd and loves to write. For him, teaching is not just a means of income, it is his purpose in life. Because he knew firsthand how important writing is to receiving a college degree, he has made it his life's work to make sure high school students are prepared for college in their writing skills. Communication in college is achieved through writing, whether it is through essays, research papers, business proposals or simply answering questions on a test. Good grades and good writing skills go hand in