Many people have their own comments toward those of us pursuing education, and I just quit listening to the negative things people had to say because no one ever seemed to understand one simple thing I always said: It is not about the money.

To me, teaching means many things, such as love, compassion, honesty, braveness, strength, patience and kindness. Those are just a handful of adjectives that describe the extraordinary field of education.

When I think of teaching I think of happiness.

When I am with a classroom full of 26 kindergarteners I am at my happiest state of mind. I feel at peace with the world around me as if I glow with purpose. I am there for those kiddos, and I am there to help them see the importance they each harvest within themselves.

They are diamonds, and I want to help them shine every single day.

My heart belongs not only in education but with children in general. I would do absolutely anything to show a child how valued and appreciated they are.

I love listening to their silly stories and favorite things.

I love being able to see their smiles light up when they walk through the door.

I love knowing that they feel confident and loved.

I love seeing their growth and accomplishments.

But most of all, I love being a part of their lives.

I simply love each and every one of them, and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life sharing this happiness with every new set of students that walk through my door at the beginning of the year.

Being a teacher means so much more than any of us realize, but the most important meaning of all is that the students come before anything else.