With only a year or two left in my college career, I've started to think a lot about my future as a high school teacher. I'm pretty sure that just about every emotion comes to mind when I think about teaching in front of high schoolers. But the strongest and most common emotion is pure excitement. When I think about teaching, my palms get sweaty, my heart skips a beat and I start picturing this tiny little classroom filled with bookshelves and Shakespeare posters.

Of course, my career will not be rainbows and sunshine, but here's to praying that it won't be all thunderstorms.

The day I get my first job will be the happiest day of my life. From that day on, I will be doing something I am more than passionate about. So here is an ode to my future students, and a warning to them that they are about to get the craziest, weirdest and most passionate high school English teacher they will ever meet.

Dear future Shakespeares,

First, I want to say that I am nervous. This isn't easy for me to just get up in front of teenagers and be all strict and scary. Let's just say that I have a slight fear of talking in front of large groups of people, and I guess I didn't take that into account when I chose my profession. So, if you see giant sweat stains on my (very fashionable) outfit, please just help a girl out and let me know.

Second, please take it easy on me. I know how high schoolers work; don't forget I once was in your exact position. I know you're not going to absolutely love every second of my coursework, but I promise you I will try and make it bearable. English may not be the love of your life (even though it should be), but I promise you that I'll make it fun and interesting. I'm not here to make you recite Old English and diagram sentences for hours on end. I'm here to help you learn and accomplish amazing things. Times are changing, and education needs to be less strict. So, if you think I won't find a way to incorporate a Vine into my lesson plan…well then, you're SO wrong.

Third, I am here for you. High school is a tough time. Yes, I may be that scary weird English nerd you would never step near, but I promise you I can help if you need someone. I am here to help you in life (and English of course) and educate you to the best of my abilities. So, don't be afraid of me. I had a teacher in high school that talked to me and made jokes with me and was one of my biggest role models. She inspired me to be the English teacher I am today. If I can be that for you, then I will in a heartbeat.

Finally, WELCOME TO ENGLISH. This is not going to be your typical classroom. I mean we will read books, write essays and discuss the (wonderful) works of William Shakespeare. However, we will do more than read a book and write an essay.

Welcome to my classroom, where you will learn lessons that you will actually use later in life.

Welcome to my classroom, where you won't have to go and sit through an hour-long lecture.

Welcome to my classroom, where I may be scary at first, but I promise you that I'll become nice (eventually). I have waited my whole life to become the teacher I am, so buckle down and welcome to English with a crazy twist on it.

Sincerely,

Ms. Bailey