Lately, the education world is a scary place to be. Teachers and students alike are having breakdowns, the upper-level administration is inflicting new standards and expectations and the actual will to teach decreasing by the day, I've been left to think about my future decisions. Why do I want to do this?

The first reason is obvious, I chose to teach for the thought that maybe, someday, somewhere along the way I can change one kid's life. Even one, just one. If I can help someone learn, someone understands, someone grows as a person, a student and encourage them to make a difference in their world, I'll have done my job.

I go to class every Tuesday and I listen, I focus on every word coming out of my professor's mouth. He changes my view on education and makes me understand on a deeper level every single time I walk in that room.

And as I feel my heart swell and my friends make fun of me for how excited I get after that class, I watch some of my classmates lose that glow in their eyes. They're there because they think teaching is a job. Teaching is not a job, it is a passion. It's a feeling that swells deep in your soul. I've known since I was 10 this is what I was made to do, no matter how hard it gets.

I will do it on the days I have five obnoxious eight year olds throwing blocks and screaming in class. I will do it on the days that my students cry over things I can't control going on at home. I will choose them and their future over any political statement, no matter how "bad" the pay is, no matter how bad I want to give up some days.

They're the thought that gets me through all the late night, early mornings and breakdowns when I don't think I can take it anymore. So, don't tell me my place isn't in the classroom. Because that classroom will be home until the day I can no longer teach.