As a first year education major, I have not been in the classroom all that much yet, but I do know why I chose to be an elementary teacher. There are many reasons, and it can be hard to sum them up entirely. Here are only a few of the reasons why I plan to work with children for the rest of my life.
1. They always want to learn. This is a lesson that as adults we can learn from children. They are so inspired by the little things and are constantly asking questions. What if as adults we always wanted to know how everything worked and actually made an effort to figure it out? I love the mindset that children have when it comes to learning.
2. They bring humor to your day. Kids don't even have to try half of the time to be funny. While they may try being serious, some of the things they say are just funny to listen to. Watching little kids laugh and play can really brighten a dull day (as long as they're not disrupting class).
3. I am given the opportunity to shape their lives from the beginning. This is a major time in their lives where they are still developing and I have the chance to be a role model for them. I am given 7 hours a day for 180 days to be the best influence I can for these kids with the hopes that I am making a positive impact on them. While this is a great amount of responsibility, I am excited for the challenge to change myself in order to help change these children.
4. Children can bring out the child in me. This doesn't mean that I'm going to act like a kid in my classroom, but I'm able to be surrounded by people who's biggest problems are getting a juice box flavor that isn't their favorite. They look forward to simple things like being able to color or dance in the classroom.
While I may be their teacher, I have so much to learn from them. I should be excited for the little things in life and always be inspired to learn more and ask questions. I still have years of education ahead of me, but I'm excited for my future as a teacher.
