Ever since I was little I knew I wanted to work with children, but I was not sure on exactly what I wanted to do. I thought maybe a child psychologist or maybe a school counselor, but I really was not sure. All I knew was that I wanted to make a difference in people's lives and always be there to help.
It wasn’t until I started working at an elementary school my freshman year of college that I realized I wanted to become a teacher, but not just any teacher. I want to be a teacher that children remember. A teacher that children and their parents feel comfortable talking to when they need something. A teacher that cares for all children as if they are my own children and not just students in my classroom. A teacher that never gives up on my children, because they all deserve to be believed in.
One common thing people tell me when I say I am going to be a teacher is, “Gosh, you must have a lot of patience.” Truthfully, it is not about patience, but about heart. The heart I will give out to each of my students in my classroom. The heart that is going to overfill with joyful memories that I get to share with each of them. The heart that is going to care probably a little too much. I want to see my students not just excel in school, but in life. I want them to strive to be the best version of themselves. I want to see my students laugh and love life.
It is not about patience, but the heart I am willing to give out to each child.
Another common thing people tend to tell me is, “You are bright, why wouldn’t you want to go into nursing or something that pays better?” What people do not understand is that it is not always about money. To me, it isn’t all about the salary, but about what I want to do with my life. To be able to be a part of children’s lives as they are growing up is the most rewarding thing. To be able to say "I was part of the reason a child kept going" is something I can cherish forever. That is worth more than any words or paychecks combined.
It is not about the money, but about making a difference.
Everyone has their place in the world. Everyone excels at different things in life. Not everyone is built out to be the same.
Teaching is not for everybody, but it is for me.
