Recently, I changed my major from English to elementary education. What an exciting change! I walked into my advising meeting and my advisor said, “So I heard you’re changing from English to elementary ed?” I replied yes and then he said, “That’s so exciting! That’s the perfect fit for you! I can tell you found where your heart is in your classes. You’re going to be an amazing teacher!” That conversation was the highlight of my day and it continues to be.

My fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Johnson told me, “You don’t choose to be a teacher for the money. You choose to be a teacher because you’re passionate about leaning and have an influence on students’ lives.” In my opinion, I think working with children is one of the biggest responsibilities and privileges anyone on this planet can ever have. Teachers have the power to spark imagination with only words.

If education is success, then teachers are the key.

I have always known I wanted to teach ever since I was 5 years old. I’ve always had this feeling deep down inside of me of “your calling in life is to be a teacher.” Maybe this is God’s way of guiding me in the right direction that He wants me to go. I know it’s a passion of mine so why should I not pursue it? Maybe because Oklahoma isn’t the best state for education? It's not like I'm throwing my life away. It’s not about the income, it’s about the outcome. Being a teacher is probably one of the most valued and respected careers because teachers are the main key that make the world go around.

I want to be the best teacher I can be for the next generation. I want my students to feel like my classroom is a safe place. I want kids to feel excited to come to school. I want to be the person that kids can turn to when they need some extra help. I want to influence the next great thinkers. I want to share my passion of English and writing and to have learning be fun.

I long for the day when I can walk into my first classroom as a blank canvas, and create a happy classroom as something of my own and yes I am confident in my decision to switch to Elementary Education. I think of all the teachers that influenced me in my life and I am beyond grateful and blessed.