Not everyone can do it, but those that can are all in. People that work with kids are a rare breed and deserve nothing but praise because not only are they taking care of tiny humans, but they're raising the next generation of people.

I have had a passion for working with kids since I was young thanks to my parents, who both work in education. Since the age of 14, I have been a babysitter, camp counselor, cheer coach, tutor, and mentor to so many young kids. You may think that taking care of kids is a walk in the park, and I can assure you it isn't. However, with all the hard work comes the reward of being able to watch children grow and blossom into their true selves. Through the trials and tribulations of poor listening, slow walking, and even yelling or tears, you have kids looking up to you.

Through my experiences, I have worked with kids ages 5-16 and I have had a different impact on each and every one of them. Obviously, every one of them had an extremely strong impact on me, they helped me explore and embrace who I am. In a society like today's, it is so hard to be unapologetically yourself.

When you work with children, you see a different, simpler viewpoint of life that is just so innocent and sweet. Many of the children I've worked with have been quick to give me a compliment when they didn't even know I needed it, open my eyes to how much things actually matter, and even introduce me to all the viral trends that my old self misses over time.

Kids tend not to be self-conscious about being truly themselves and I feel like after spending a lot of time with my kids, that trait rubbed off on me and I couldn't be more grateful. From goofy Tik-Tok videos to very messy hair and wearing my camp counselor one-piece with pride, I truly can say that my ability to be my real self was shaped by the open and honest nature of the children I've worked with in my past.

Although my past was obviously filled with fond memories with the children I have been able to work with, there have also been times where my kids gave me an attitude, or I was shown a bit of disrespect. There have even been times, mostly with younger kids, that they have made remarks about my appearance or personality traits that weren't exactly nice. Kids can be extremely and brutally honest.

However, when you work with kids you have to let it roll right off of you, or turn it into a joke. Most of the time, the children don't even remember what they said or apologize instantaneously, so it isn't much of an issue because they don't really mean it, but it can definitely teach a caretaker how to be themselves regardless of the cruel remarks sometimes made by the children they work with. Being that I tend to work with older children nowadays I don't run into this problem as frequently, but I definitely have turned past experiences with the little ones (or the bratty older ones) into a learning experience and taught myself that these children look up to me no matter what and they love me for me.

Now, as an education major itching to have her own classroom and students, I am so grateful for my experiences with my former and current kiddos that made me so prepared to be myself, unconditionally, with my future students. Being silly and showing that you have flaws makes your students more comfortable and allows them to be themselves as well. Also, being real with your kids is so important if you want them to respect you. With respect comes your students supporting you being who you are and that's all I need.

I'm so ready for my future working with more kids.