When I was a kid, I never thought that teachers were actual people. Every time I saw them in public, I wanted to duck my head. It was weird to see them outside of the classroom. It was like they were these weird alien creatures that existed only at school. Not to say that I ever was a horrible student, but it was strange to me nonetheless. I told myself “I will never be a teacher. Ever!”
Isn’t it strange that I decided my career path would be an Early Childhood Education teacher? Not only have I been in school for what seems like ages, but now I’ll be waking up early seven days a week for the rest of my life— at least until I retire. To some people that sounds like torture, but I learned that it’s something I want to do regardless of the early hours I will have to drag myself to work. At the end of the day, I’ll enjoy what I am doing, which is to teach the young generation.
As much as I will love my teaching, I’ve learned about the issues that will result in being in the field. I might not get a job right away. I also will not be paid quite the same as a surgeon, and that’s a common struggle for us teachers. For some teachers, who taught students for longer, they may be paid more. Regardless of the amount paid, teachers, who have a passion for what they do, will use their own money to provide materials that will help their students learn better. I feel that at the end of the day, teachers will do everything that they can to help their students succeed. In my opinion, it’s a profession that is crucial for future generations to kick start careers. My experience with being around children has been nothing but good vibes. I was able to witness the joy in children’s faces at reading, or playing with different arts and crafts. While some schools provide the materials, others may not and teachers will have to pay out of pocket. The dedication towards their career is shown through their passion for what they do.
My choice to change my major from nursing to education was not easy because of the thought of my future salary. Yet I found it to be a rewarding career as I reflect on my old kindergarten teacher. The fun that I would experience from learning made me excited to go to school. I didn’t realize then that being a teacher was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Yes, teachers may not get paid as much as a lot of other professions, but it’s the passion of working with young minds that makes it all worth it. We think of running on a money economy to get what we need. Being a teacher has rewards that aren’t about us, but about the children that inspire us every day. I may not be making a lot of money to afford going on vacation every summer, but I know that I will have made an impact on young children, encouraging them to chase their dreams. Teaching is my passion towards growing a future generation of world changers.
