In a world full of doctors, CEOs, lawyers, etc., one might think that educators do not make anything in comparison. They do not come home with the largest paycheck, to the largest home, in the richest neighborhoods in town. They do not own the most expensive cars, or go to the fanciest restaurants. Educators get more than that. I have found that as an education major I have been rewarded more than I ever could in any other career. I have been paid in more valuable things than money. I have found that I am one of the richest humans because I am an educator.

When I was in high school and I told people I wanted to be an education major, the first thing out of everyone's mouth was, "don't expect a lot of money out of that," or "so you're definitely not going into a career for the money." For the longest time, I found this offensive because my future career isn't about the money that I make, the car that I drive, or the house that I live in. No, I do not want to be an education major for the money.

I do it for the kids. For the "Aha!" moments of life. For the future leaders of our country. For a better tomorrow.

I get paid much more than any lawyer, doctor or CEO could be.

Every day, I get to go into a classroom full of kids, who are willing to learn, create and be inspired.

I get to watch struggling students have an "Aha!" moment when they finally understand something new.

I get to spend time with students who are creative, intelligent, and hardworking for over half the time that we are awake.

I get to stop the bullies and encourage individuality in and out of the classroom.

I get to meet new students every year and help them become our future leaders.

My job does not stop when I exit the classroom. I bring hours of paperwork home that needs graded. I see my students outside of class and have to be a positive role model. I have to create new lesson plans every week that will not only educate but engage my students. None of this is for the money.

I educate because nothing feels better than a student approaching me after class and telling me that they want a reccomendation letter from me for future college applications. Or that I have inspired them. Or that I are their favorite teacher. Or that I helped them understand a concept for the first time in their life.

An educator gets so much more than just money. I get paid in something more valuable than money. Something that no one understands besides other educatos.

So no, I may not have the biggest paycheck but I am the richest person in the world.