Every time I tell someone that I'm an education major, I get the same weird look and asked "why?" I'm actually excited to pursue a career in education, and I shouldn't have to explain myself every single time someone asks me my major.

But, for those of you still wondering why the heck I want to teach, here's a little insight as to why.

I have a passion for education.

Ever since I was younger, I've loved school and the idea of teaching. I always wanted to play school and teach my friends, or maybe my stuffed animals, things on my easel and whiteboard. Helping others understand new concepts and seeing someone light up when they finally understand something gives me joy like no other. I've always known that I loved school, and that I had a passion to teach.

I get to inspire the minds of tomorrow.

Without teachers, other jobs are practically impossible. If it weren't for your kindergarten teacher teaching you how to read, just how far would you come in life? Without learning those basic math skills starting in the first grade, engineering wouldn't be possible. Without learning basic biology, the medical field wouldn't exist. Without learning basic skills in all subjects as early as elementary school, these highly-respected fields wouldn't be possible. It brings me so much excitement to know that I could potentially teach a future senator or attorney.

Being around children all day brings me happiness.

Instead of going to work in a mundane office full of middle-aged co-workers burned out by their jobs every day, I get to walk into a room of twenty-something kids that are full of excitement, energy, and innocence. I get to see their faces light up when they learn about the planets for the first time or hear how happy they are to be going on their first field trip of the year. Working with children who have yet to be corrupted by the world is a blessing in itself. Young and impressionable minds are some of the kindest as well. Of course there will be off-days with talkative students and acting out, but the good definitely out-weighs the bad in this instance.

These are just some of the things I'm most excited about when it comes to my career, but I could honestly go on and on about the many reasons I can't wait to enter the education field. Sure, I'll get weekends, holidays, and summers off, but that's only the icing on the cake.

So, next time you think of asking me "why?" and giving me a weird look when I tell you that I want to teach, I hope you realize that educating the future generations is really what I want to do with my life. It's not about the glamour or the pay check, it's about my passion for children and education.