I haven't always wanted to be a teacher. I grew up wanting to be a Marine Biologist, Lawyer, princess, etc. However, my senior year in high school a very important person changed my mind and my career choice. She inspired me to be a teacher and to share my passion for learning with others. My first semester in college, my major was for Secondary Ed with a focus on reading, but it still didn't feel "right." I knew I wanted to teach but I wasn't too sure about teaching high school. With a little help from my advisor and a lot of prayers, I finally decided on Elementary Education and I have never regretted this decision.

1. To have my own little fan club.

You will never be as popular as walking into a classroom of first graders and hearing them all yell "Miss Kodee" with the biggest smile on their face.

2. To laugh daily at the funny things they say.

I don't know why, but children are literally the funniest people ever. They're so witty and honest. I have never laughed as much in my life as I have with my students.

3. To be surrounded by people shorter than me.

I'm 4'11 and a half so it's pretty rare when I am the tallest person in the room; this is definitely a major plus.

4. To make an impact.

There is no better feeling that knowing you played a part in helping a child who is struggling in reading meet his reading goals, or any goals in general.

5. To share my love for learning.

I have always been a "book nerd" and love to learn new things. To be able to share my love and help my students find their love of learning is one of the most important things to me.

6. To love every child that walks through my doors.

To love babies who have never been loved. Children that have witnessed things no one should have ever seen and had no one to turn to. Most children who act out honestly just need someone to love them. If I could give every student the love they deserved, my life would be complete.

I may not ever live in a 5-story mansion and have 100 million dollars in my bank account, but I will teach future astronauts, doctors, lawyers, police officers, business owners, etc and that's plenty rich to me.