A few weeks ago I was at an art fair with my boyfriend and we decided to get a caricature drawn of the both of us. I was sitting in a chair, smiling, and trying not to laugh as the artist stared at me and began sketching my face. He made small talk, asking where I'm from and what I do. I told him what I tell every new person I meet in my enthusiastic tone. I said, "I recently finished college and I'm going to begin student teaching in the fall." His face lit up in a very strange way. He smirked and said, "Oh, so you're going to be a teacher?" After telling him which grade and subjects I hope to teach he looked me straight in eyes and said, "I am very sorry for what is going to happen to you in the next few years." At this point, I wasn't sure if I was to keep smiling or continue what became a very political conversation. After all, nobody expects to have this discussion while getting a caricature done.

He continued the conversation, sketching away at my face while I awkwardly smiled. He asked what I thought about the election coming up. To keep it short, I told him that I am very concerned about our country and greater world. He agreed, rambled on some more about how hard and frustrating my job as a teacher will be and asked, "How do you think we can solve all of these terrible world problems?" I tried to sum up my every thought in hopes that he would stop this conversation or finish my caricature. Still in awe at the fact that we were really having this discussion given my current location, I said, "Well, I think we need to be nicer to people." My response was simple but I was relieved that my caricature was finally finished.

Now, I’m not sure if I was more frustrated at the fact that this artist was ruining my carefree vibes or at his entire attitude toward my future. I guarantee there is not one pre-teacher that goes into this field blind to the flaws in our education system. Nobody chooses this career path expecting smooth sailing and sunshine all the time. Even so, I don’t want anyone telling me that they are “sorry” for what is going to happen to me. Nobody can see the future. I want to be encouraged, looked up to, and most importantly, respected as a young adult determined to make a difference. It is far too often that pre-teachers become discouraged by the opinions and bad experiences of others. I understand that it's important to know the reality of what's to come, but it becomes painfully repetitive hearing it time and time again. Speaking for all teachers, we did not choose this profession; this profession chose us. We have a calling to advocate for our youth. To foster knowledge and help our students become confident, well rounded, and respectful individuals.

Considering all the problems the caricature artist mentioned about our world today, I came to an important realization. It's actually teachers of all grades and subjects who help to combat inequalities one lesson and one conversation at a time. And making one small, inspiring difference in a student’s life brings us that much closer to a better world. So how can we solve all of the terrible world problems? By teaching. By educating our youth, by encouraging them, advocating for them, and pushing them to reach their goals. We need to be nicer to each other. We need to teach children the importance of bringing each other up rather than tearing each other down. We need to teach them how to use their voice to stand up for what they believe. As teachers, we are leaders, believers, guiders, listeners, and motivators.

In some respects, the caricature artist was right, there probably will be days when I’m frustrated beyond belief with our education system and greater world. All I can do is continue to advocate for our students. It’s more than the pay, the lack of funding, and the stressful days. It’s about making the world a better place. I am never going to apologize or accept an apology for my life and my career decisions.

So although the caricature artist ruined my vibes that day, the frustration I felt toward him actually inspired me. Now whenever I look at that caricature, I am going to see the leader, believer, guider, listener, motivator, and teacher that I am. I will never let anyone's negative opinions and experiences discourage me. This profession is my calling to make the world better.