When I tell people my major and future career choice, the first thing that is usually said in response is "Wow, you must be incredibly patient!" This was the response from my immediate family, friends, boyfriend, sisters, co-workers, and the list goes on. Next, I am usually subject to their convincing of why I should not be an educator, as the pay is less than appealing and the work is tremendous. Coming from a future special needs teacher, I would like to say that for those whose passion truly is educating children who were born with a disability, these are not responses that we find amusing or even appropriate in the situation.

For those who equalize my choice to spend the majority of my time in a special needs classroom with me being "soooo patient," I would like to first say that you are only partially correct, and also say that I find that somewhat offensive. Yes, I do have an enormous amount of patience for students with special needs, but that is where the line is drawn - I still get annoyed at long red lights, I do not enjoy waiting on my food at restaurants, and I have zero tolerance for being stuck behind slow drivers. I find it offensive for one to be under the assumption that a career working with special needs students requires excessive amounts of patience because if you are a decent human being it really should not, as they are still people who deserve respect. Granted, they are people who can be messy, loud, and stubborn, but when you remember that they have a disability that prevents them from acting "normally" you realize that their actions are not entirely their fault. I would never say to the parents of an especially bratty child that being their parent must require a lot of patience due to their extremely annoying, completely controllable actions, so please do not say it to me about my future students who do not possess the same control.

When people choose to become an educator, you can trust me when I say that the money aspect is something that is considered, and can be a deterrent for many great potential teachers. Those who do choose the education field have also weighed this con, but have realized that their passion for cultivating the young minds of the next generation outweighs this negative. I can say the same thing about myself - I did take into consideration that I will be payed an inadequate amount for the work that I do, as I am only human and, like most of us, am motivated by money in my bank account. With that being said, though, being in the classroom was still a no-brainer for me, as it is my passion in life and what I feel God has called me to do.

Those who automatically jump to inform me of how little money I will be making by being a teacher do not realize that bringing up my future salary is actually being quite rude instead of helpful, and it only serves to make me view them as a very shallow individual. Yes, I do realize that I will never be the one living in a multi-million dollar home, spending my summers in Europe, but I have made the mature, adult decision to forgo these materialistic things for a job that I find fulfilling. Also, did your momma never teach you that it is rude to discuss finances that are no business of your own?

As far as the hard work aspect of it, I can say with confidence that YES, you are most definitely right. Special education teachers are educators, nurses, counselors, moms, clean-up crews, planners, paperwork enthusiasts, referees, etc. I will wear many hats in my future job and will be expected to go above and beyond in carrying out the duties of each and every one of them. I will leave school exhausted, but with a tote full of papers left to fill out in tow. I will sometimes have to sacrifice time with my own family. I will not, though, ever dread going to work or feel that my job is unimportant, and for that, it is worth it to me. The excessive amount of work fades into the background when you see a child finally grasp a concept or make a breakthrough, and it all becomes worth it again.

So the next time you meet someone who shares with you that their major is special education, maybe try asking them why they are so passionate about those with special needs or if they are going into the general or adaptive field. Do this instead of insinuating that special needs children are not worth the amount of effort put in, or reminding them that they will be payed little. Ask about previous experiences in the classroom rather than telling them how patient they must be to "deal with those kids." Lastly, consider volunteering for a day in a special education classroom to see what we see in just how special those students are. I promise you it will be a blessing.