During my teaching internship, I had a person tell me, "Oh, if you are studying to be a teacher, then you definitely want to be poor."

My blood pressure skyrocketed, and I was seeing red. Did she really just say that? Since my mom taught me to "Kill 'em with kindness," I simply told her I was enjoying my internship. In all honesty, I was not only angry, but even more than that, I was hurt. Here I am in my second year of college, taking on 19 hours, a full time job, and numerous extracurricular activities. And this woman has the audacity to insult all of my hard work and my future.

Here are just a few phrases to understand the life of an education major:

1. "But you're not going to make any real money being a teacher."

Yes, we know. No, we don't think it's fair. This career is full of struggles and joys, and we think it is worth every moment.

2. "But, you get summers off, so your don't work all year."

While teachers can enjoy having summers free from the classroom, they are also preparing lessons, attending conferences and organizing their classroom for the upcoming school year. Some educators even take on a second job to compensate for summer vacations or extra financial stability.

3. "But teaching is really just glorified babysitting all day, right?"

"Babysitting" with math, reading, science, social studies and writing in less than eight hours, all while the students are either tired, hungry, cold, too hyper, or defiant. This is called teaching and helping your students succeed despite the odds against you.

4. "If you manage your time in your classroom, then you wouldn't have to grade papers on the weekends."

IEP meetings, school board approvals, parent-teacher conferences, and budgets are just a few commitments that are endured by teachers for hours.

5. "Well, if you're going to be a teacher, you shouldn't marry anyone in education. You will be struggling your entire life."

This statement just makes me laugh. I know plenty of couples who are teachers, and they are enjoying life together. Will I be able to have the newest car or fanciest home? No, but I will be able to impact lives on a daily basis in my classroom.

Being a teacher is more than curriculum. You are a counselor, mother, friend, motivator, and most of all - you may be the only positive influence a child sees on a daily basis. You are a hero.