I was afraid to take the step that changed my life forever.
Every decision you are faced with making will change your life. Whether your decision is as simple as where to eat your next meal, to as difficult as what to do with the rest of your life — the choice you make will change your life. This semester, I had to make one of those difficult decisions.
For as long as I could remember, I knew I was going to become a teacher. I had dreamed of classroom decorations and family fun nights. I loved working and interacting with children, and I was good at it too. Then, this summer came and I worked at a summer camp for the second year in a row. I enjoyed my job and it helped gain experience for my future career as a teacher. Shortly after the summer had started, a troubled little kid walked into the doors of my camp. This child was smart, silly, and creative, but had trouble trusting people and letting them into his heart. I had the privilege of working with him for 10 weeks and in the process I learned that the change I wanted to make in children's lives, would never be able to be accomplished as their teacher.
As the summer came to an end, I ignored the feeling in my heart that was calling me to choose a different path. Being an education major was my safety zone and I did not want to take the leap of faith. I got ready to move back to school and the call to choose a different path got stronger, so I started doing the research. I searched through websites that listed jobs working with children and too many job descriptions to count. When I read about social work, I felt a sense of belonging. I let the idea grow on me and after a couple weeks, I contacted my advisor to make the change.
Now, being a few weeks into the semester, I could not be happier with my decision. I've talked to people in the same field and it makes me excited for my future. I have found my true passion and the fire in my eyes has been lit.
This experience has taught me to let go of my fear and take the leap of faith. Making the decision to change my career plan is one of the scariest things I have ever done, but I dove in head first and can already feel the rewards. Next time you're afraid to make the change, ask yourself, if not now, when?
