When I was little, I would play school in my basement with all the works. I had some desks, a chalkboard, some workbooks and of course, a grade book. I was probably the hardest 10-year-old teacher there ever was on my poor sister, who was always my student notorious for "failing my exams." Fortunately for her, she benefited, as she was recently inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. I would like to say it was all me!
She was not the only one to benefit from those days, however; I did as well.
In my senior year of high school, if you were to tell me I was going to be a teacher, I would simply dismiss it. However, there was no rhyme or reason why or why not. It took approximately one month into my freshman year of college to finally (and tearfully) tell my parents, "I want to be an English major." I was definitely more dramatic than I had to be, but in the moment, it felt necessary. From that moment on, it felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Why? Because I was finally making my own decision to make myself happy. I was finally happy, and I knew I always would be.
I find happiness in all things literature. I love all literature and can find an appreciation for modern works as well as works from the past. While studying abroad last summer, I wept near the grave of William Shakespeare while I was was in England. I simply am so fascinated with the creative and brilliant minds of various authors, poets, and playwrights. Why would I not want to share this love with a classroom of students? As I approach my senior year of college and begin my student teaching, I realize I am almost an English teacher and I cannot wait.
"Why do you want to be a teacher?"
It's a question many soon-to-be-teachers receive throughout their undergraduate years. The most inspiring people in my life (besides Mom and Dad) have always been teachers. I have had many teachers in my life that changed the way I viewed not only myself but the way I viewed others and the world. My high school English teacher had the most magnificent teaching style that truly captured the students' attention. She is one of those teachers that, when listening to, you simply cannot help but cherish everything said about a specific piece of work. She is a wonderful person inside and outside of the classroom. She is the reason I became an English major; I am convinced. No one made me love literature the way she did. I wanted to be just like her. I know I won't be able to perfectly create her within my classroom, but from her, I have learned what it takes to be an educator.
It's not just about the job; it's not just about the pay; it's not just about what you're discussing in class or the daily lesson plan. English is a subject in which many different opinions matter and is a safe environment for students to think creatively. I may love my subject area, but it is way more than just an English class. It's being there for your students every day. It's being a motivator to each and every one of them. It's being the one who is rooting for each and every one of those students who sits in the desks before you, making them feel that someone is in it for them and only for them.
Next time you ask someone why they really want to be a teacher, be prepared to stay a while.
