My college graduation day was over two years ago, and was easily one of the most liberating days of my life. I had never felt such accomplishment and my family had never been more proud. For my family, my parents had never gone to college and did everything they could to get my brother and I on that track from a very young age because they wanted us to have more out of life than they did. My parents mentality about college was if you went, you were guaranteed a job. Who wouldn't want that for their kid? Does this story sound familiar? I know it sounds familiar, because most of the people I talk to have had the same or a similar experience.

I was lucky in my experience after college. I was able to acquire a job that I've spent the past two years at. I was able to use my degree. But now due to varying circumstances I've decided to quit my job and move back home. But Kelsey they need teachers everywhere you'll never be outside of a job right? Wrong. For the first time since I graduated college I'm faced with the idea that I may not be able to use my degree anymore in the way that I want. I watched many of my fellow classmates facing this as we finished senior year, because they had decided to stay and not leave. I never thought that would be my life. I had a plan, and I was going to take the advice that was given to me. Leave for a few years, gain some experience, and then come back. You'll have a job before you know it.

So I did just that I moved to Florida, taught for two years, and plan on returning this school year. Well unfortunately for me, I was born in the state of Pennsylvania. To be more specific Western PA. For those of you thinking why is that unfortunate? Stay tuned. My degree is in Early Childhood and Special Education. For those of you who still are in the fog let me attempt to give you some clarity. Western PA is one of, in my humble opinion, the best places to teach in this country. However, there is very little growth in need for teachers in this area because once you enter you wouldn't dream of leaving. The situation was looking bright for openings and then things such as education budget cuts and districts that are so far in debt with little way out happened. There are more job cuts happening than job growth for education.

Now my dilemma becomes, do I move back and play the game of long term substituting? Or do I take a year and figure out what else I could do like a masters program or start a side business? What are my parents and family going to say when I don't have a job? Are they going to be disappointed? Will they be upset if I find something else that I love and decide to pursue? What if I never use my degree again? What if I'm passionate about what I already do and don't want to give it up? This degree that was supposed to make my life easier now leaves me with thousands of dollars of debt and more questions now than ever.

Luckily, I have already had this conversation with my parents and I was surprised at how they reacted. My mom was the one more concerned about me not having a job teaching than my dad was. My mom was concerned because she knows what a great teacher I am and has seen the difference I make. Her biggest concern was a new group of kids missing out on me as their teacher. What my Dad has told me time and time again in my moments of panic leading up to my last day of school this year has been my saving grace. He keeps saying, "We raised a resilient kid. Sure you are facing the reality of not having a job when you come back. Would we like that to be your reality? No, but I know you'll do whatever you have to and you'll figure it out. We raised a fighter. You'll be just fine."

Knowing where my parents stand on this idea has helped me come to terms with my situation. But the thing that frustrates me the most is I love what I do. I've wanted to be a teacher since I was 7 years old and would line up my stuffed animals and play school. I've had the plan of staying in this profession for years and then moving up to be a guidance counselor or administrator. The only reason I am leaving this position is because I don't love what I'm being asked to do. Why do I have to be punished because I don't want to be 1500 miles away from friends and family, in a position I'm not passionate about? Why do I have to choose between family and career? I have a degree I have put blood, sweat, and tears into acquiring and you better believe I will do whatever I have to, to continue in the career choice I love. Is it a scary reality to not be able to use your degree, but if you are determined enough and are passionate about what you do then you'll find a way.