Like many education majors before me, I have started to realize that assumptions surrounding my career choice may never stop. Here are some of the statements and questions that have come up in some of my real-life conversations. Shout out to all of you education majors out there, because I’m sure that you have heard a couple of these as well.

1. "Why do you want to be a teacher?"

To put it plainly, education majors love kids. A passion for teaching and a love for education are values that inspire “wanting to be a teacher.”

2. "Education is one of those majors that people choose when they don't know what else to do."

It is true that some educators may have embarked on their careers with this idea in mind; however, this is not true for the vast majority of us. Most education majors have a love for kids, their content areas, and a calling to actively take part in the lives of their students.

3. "Education is an easy major."

Education is no “easier” than any other major out there. Aside from typical academic stresses, education majors are under pressure to perform during classroom field experiences. The knowledge that you will one day be responsible for laying a child’s foundation to succeed in life is an enormous pressure.

4. "You want to be a teacher? Bless you."

I have actually lost count at the number of times people have said this to me. But I actually need all of the blessings that I can get, so thank you!

5. "Don't you guys read children's books all the time?"

No, we sadly don’t get to read children’s books all the time. We actually have semester long classes that teach us how to center lessons on pieces of children’s literature. However, I will be the first to admit that we do get a little too excited in the children’s section of the bookstore.

6. "You won't get paid enough doing that."

I can’t speak for all education majors, but to me, it isn’t about the money. I want to teach children. I want each of my future students to know that someone cares about them, no matter the circumstances from which they come from. I hope to instill a love for learning in my students that surpass the worth of any sum of money.