As an incoming college freshman, it is not often that a student knows what he or she is truly passionate about pursuing as a career. While many struggle with deciding their career path, I, on the other hand, am very certain about what I would like to pursue.

Ever since I can remember, I have said that "I want to be a kindergarten teacher". While this statement always came flying out of my mouth when asked what I want to be when I get older, it wasn't until recently that I was able to verbalize where my passion for teaching came from. As a young child, I had many difficulties in school. While I was struggling academically and feeling "less" than all my other peers, it was my teachers that made me feel adequate.Therefore, I want to be a teacher because I know what it is like to struggle, and I want to be able to support my future students and be there for them like my teachers were there for me.

While all my teachers were impactful and special in their own ways, when thinking about all my teachers, my kindergarten teacher is the one that sticks out to me the most. Her love in the classroom and her passion for teaching is contagious. I attribute my passion for teaching kindergarten to having had such an amazing kindergarten teacher; one that I will never forget.

I also want to be a kindergarten teacher because of my love for children. Working with children leaves me with such a gratifying feeling. I never leave a room full of children without a smile on my face. There is nothing better than waking up every morning excited for work, and I feel that pursuing my dream as a kindergarten teacher will provide me with this opportunity!