I realized halfway through my senior year that I wanted to be an English teacher— thanks to the amazing English teacher I had that year, Ms. Hall. I’m halfway through my freshman year of college, and my mind has yet to change. I’ve began my education classes, which have me so excited and more ready than ever to become a teacher. Ever since I chose this major, I’ve been happy to talk about why it’s what I want to do, and now it’s slowly beginning to become a reality.

I can’t wait to be a teacher.

I can’t wait to be teacher because I am so passionate about education. I believe everyone deserves a good, quality education and has the right to one. The fact that we Americans have the opportunity for education is truly a privilege. I want to do my part in the education system, as a teacher, to help students realize what a privilege it is and that it doesn’t have to suck. Going through school can be so tough. That’s why it’s important to have teachers who are understanding, loving, compassionate, and gracious. It is evident to students when teachers hate teaching, and it makes it no fun for anybody. Anyone who is there to learn deserves a willing teacher to be passionate and present about the subject he/she is teaching, or else why would the student care about what’s being taught? And for the sake of classroom dynamics, it’s crucial for teachers to have a relationship with their students beyond just knowing their name. I want to connect with students and know their hearts— know their minds. I want to be a teacher so I can understand the way they think and adapt my teaching to just that and be able to meet their needs. It is not enough to just show up to class and teach a lesson, assign homework and grade papers anymore; frankly, it never has been. Students need more. Students, young adults especially, need connection to thrive. I want to be someone that will help another person thrive. I want to be there for all of my students, to be present in their lives. Every student matters. Every person matters. Teachers are crucial to the development of students’ self-esteem when it comes to their future. Educators are the ones who plant seeds in their hearts, seeds of hope and wisdom.

Being a teacher is so much more than just teaching. It is teaching, assisting, cheering, encouraging, giving, helping, offering, being there and most importantly, always loving.

I can’t wait to be a teacher.