I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can possibly remember. I have always loved the idea of helping people and exposing them to the world of education in the best way possible. But with the decision to become a teacher, comes a lot of critiques and questions.

Not everyone understands why people would want to become teachers or why they would want to work such a hard job for little money. Honestly, a lot of these statements get a little annoying, so for future reference, here are a few things not to say to people pursuing a job in education.

1. Why would you want to go to school for the rest of your life?

Well, being the teacher and being the student are obviously very different roles. I wouldn't be going back to sit in a classroom and relearn all of the material for the rest of my life. I am going back with an understanding of the material so I am able to educate others to the best of my ability.

2. But middle school kids are awful.

Truthfully, a lot of people are awful at any age. Middle-level students really aren't as bad as they seem. I actually find working with middle-level learners to be very rewarding.

Sure, there are going to be a few kids that I struggle to connect with, but I find that working with kids is a very rewarding job because you learn from them just like they learn from you.

3. You aren't going to make a lot of money doing that.

Trust me, I did my research. I am well aware that I will never own a mansion working as a middle-level English teacher. I want to be a teacher because of my love for the profession and the students. Not the pay.

4. Wow, you'll have weekends and summers off!

Actually, that's kind of a myth. Teachers bring home loads of work every night. Their day doesn't end when the school day does and a lot of the extra work spills into the weekends.

Summers are time for prep for the new school year. Not to mention likely picking up a summer job to keep my finances balanced.

5. Patience must be a virtue that you possess.

Actually, I have very little patience sometimes. Like when people pick apart my life choices. Kids are not the issue here.

6. You won't find a job very easily.

You do realize we will never not need educators... right?

7. Well since you're going to be a teacher, I doubt you'll want kids of your own.

Actually, I do want kids of my own. I love kids and watching them grow. Why wouldn't I want my own?

8. Marry rich

Please just go away. My life's choices will not be and are not based on the money I am or will be making. I can live comfortably as a teacher and marry whomever I chose without needing to look at their bank account first.

9. It must be nice to have an easy major.

Do you even know what it takes to become a teacher?

10. I could never be a teacher.

And I could never be a successful architect. Your point is what?

11. Those who can't do, teach.

I need to leave.