The number one response I get when I tell people I am in college for education is, “you are not going to make any money,” well actually Barbra I will be making more than you make cashiering at TJ Maxx. Seconds best comment I get is, “those who can’t do, teach,” which is rude, just because I don’t want to be elbow deep in urinary tract infection for the rest of my career does not mean I am any less smart or educated than you.
Backstory: I went straight into college as a pre-health professional major, which I am going to straight up say, sucked. I did not give a damn about cellular respiration, I did not find the frog dissection to be “cool.” Most of all I did not find the price of books, manuals, and Mastering Biology access codes appealing. Also, after having actual patient care experience from a nursing home and seeing nurses and medical personnel in action, did not sounds appealing to me.
Another huge thing was my mother’s horror stories from working in the ER. I was not sure I wanted to slave for years in college to be stepping in someone’s GI bleed, and yes, I know there is way more to it than that, but just the thought of having to be in that situation gave me anxiety. If I am going to waste four years of my life in hell, also known as nursing school, then I better love what I do.
I do not want to be an elementary school teacher. That is what all teachers are automatically thought to be, but children that age and me, do not get along. I love teaching young adults, even if they are assholes. I love hearing their ideas aspirations. I love reading essays they have written, which was why all my friends and school always came to me for proofreading. I love helping them reach their dreams, rather than some educators that only and give the easy way out.
I was not sure about it when I first signed up for an education class, but I knew after the first class that that was what I was supposed to do.
Now addressing the salary issue. Mind your damn business. We will always need teachers. I would rather be happy making less money, than miserable through college and my whole life. It is also no one’s business is I will be in debt or not, because I am sure your “grocery” credit card isn’t going to pay itself. At least my debt is going towards educating the future leaders of America and shaping your ugly kids into decent humans.
Education is not an easy major or an easy job. Just because I don’t want to be a doctor anymore does not mean I will not be successful in my career. I will work hard like everyone else, and I have taken hard classes like everyone else, so again mind your damn business and have fun with your cubical and 9 to 5.
