Yes, I want to be a teacher, even though there are more prosperous occupations financially.
Why does a career have to primarily be based on your annual income? Whatever happened to doing what you love. My passion is teaching. And that my readers, has what I’ve always wanted to do.
I’ve known since I was nine years old I wanted to be a teacher. I would sit my younger brother down and pretend to be his teacher. I would prop up the magnetic whiteboard and began placing letters on it instructing him to sound out the letters. Soon, we progressed to sounding out and spelling words. I loved being in charge (which yes, is one reason why I want to be a teacher, but not the sole reason). Being able to help my little brother learn was something that always intrigued me.
We've all had those teachers to whom we look up. They're the kind of teacher that not only does their job of teaching their daily lessons, but the person you can go to when in need of advice. That person for me was my junior year high school History teacher, Mrs. Bella. She solidified my intentions of becoming a teacher. She cared about her students and did everything to help them succeed. Mrs. Bella exemplifies a great teacher. That’s what I aspire to be. Not only do I want to help children, I want to be their role model in doing so. Since a young age, I've wanted to work with elementary-aged children. That still has not changed.
My senior year in high school allowed me to work in the teaching field, getting hands-on experience that would soon prepare me for my future. I made lesson plans, walked around the classroom giving positive feedback to my students and helped them grow as learners. The one thing about teaching that fascinated me, is that while you may be teaching, you yourself learn something every day. You learn how to adjust to each students' learning styles and preferences. As an intern at my local elementary school, I enjoyed every second.
Although teaching first graders was challenging, it’s the reward that makes it all worth it. Walking into the classroom at 12:30 and seeing the students' faces light up instantly brightened my day. As a teacher, we become so attached to our students, wanting only the best for them. My last day in my first-grade classroom was bittersweet.
Fortunately, I did have the chance to work with some of my first graders this past summer, as I started my first job at the same elementary school working as a camp counselor. Seeing some returning faces from my class was exciting. The bonds we formed during the school year picked up from where we left off, playing with the kids, doing crafts, watching them laugh and smile as they splashed around in the pool, and going on field trips, I felt was the most rewarding as a counselor and future teacher.
I encourage you to follow your passion as you embark on your career. Whether your passion is teaching, business, math, art, the sciences, etc.
My passion is working with children, and yes, I want to be a teacher.
