Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve known what I wanted to be: A teacher. Although I didn’t know what kind of teacher yet, I knew that it was the right job for me. As I grew older, I realized I wanted to be an English professor and get my Ph. D and now I’m double majoring in English and Psychology to do so.
Although my parents have been behind me in my decision 100%, I’ve heard from many others, teachers and friends alike, “Why do you want to be a teacher? You get no money and there’s just no point.” Well, let me tell you: No one can stop me from pursuing my passion. I didn’t let these negative comments hold me back. Not only this, but I’ve decided that the more times I have someone tell me that I shouldn’t become a teacher, the more I will try my hardest to become one.
Why am I bringing this up? Because I want you all to know that no one can stop you from following your dreams. As cliché as that sounds, it’s one of the most honest statements out there. Fight for what you believe in and don’t give up even if it seems like the entire world is against you because you never know where you will end up. Also, there will always be the haunting question of “What if?”
Set high goals for yourself. These goals should be somewhat reachable, but with a bit of work. Always strive to push yourself and commit to what you’re doing. If you’re majoring in English and working on a paper with a maximum of 20 pages, push yourself to make it at least 21, and then go back and edit it. It’s always easier to delete words than to add them. If you’re finding yourself with extra free time over the summer, get a job, or an internship, in your field of study and stay with it for the entire summer. You will have the opportunity to get your foot in the door at that job/internship and make new friends and associates that will help you get further in your job. It always pays to know people.
Know that you’re not alone. There are hundreds of students in college that either don’t know what they want to do yet, or want the opportunity to advance themselves just as much as you do. Use this to your advantage. Find people with similar interests, join clubs, make friends with your professors, and get your name out there. This will help you not only write an alluring resume, but will earn you excellent recommendation letters to grad school.
Don’t try to mold yourself into the shape of what someone else wants you to be. If you want to be a kindergarten teacher and not a doctor, go for it. Because, in the end, it’s your life and you are the one going to that job every single day. And it’s in your power to choose whether you’re going to come in to your job every day loving life or despising it.
I’ve definitely learned more about myself after ending my freshman year in college, and I’ve realized that, although I havemy friends, parents, and professors helping me through whatever I need, I’m completely alone in my choices, actions, and thoughts. And, therefore, it is I, and I alone, who can alter my course of life in whichever way I choose. And so can you.
