Ever since I decided to pursue a degree in elementary education I've become accustomed to the looks and comments that are made when I tell other people that I want to be a kindergarten teacher.

Today I went to a fast food place to get some dinner and saw someone I knew from high school and this person asked how school was and all that jazz. They then preceded to ask me what my major was and I said that my major is elementary education with a minor in Spanish.

This person's response was the sound you make when you see something disgusting on a tv show or hear a gross story. You know what I'm talking about? The combination of "ew" and "yuck". Well yeah, that was their initial response.

This person then said, and I quote, "I don't like that." It took everything inside of me not to say back that it didn't matter if you like it or not because it isn't your future.

I just don't understand why people have to look at me differently and give me the fake "oh that's so great!" We can all see through that. I promise you. I can see you thinking about how sad it is I won't get a big paycheck or how teaching is hard.

I can see you thinking all of these things and trust me, it isn't fazing me. I love what I love and I know that I will love the hard and rewarding job that being a teacher is. I cannot wait to see my kids grow and reach new goals.

I cannot wait to be called Miss Campbell. I cannot wait to wonder why I chose this career because I had a long week because I'll remember how amazing it is. This career path is not an easy one. I didn't choose it because I thought it was easy because I know it isn't.

So, to the person who pauses and acts like I said that my cat died when I tell them my major, yes, I just said that my major is elementary education.

Yes, I know it'll be hard.

Yes, I know it isn't a high paying job.

No, your response does not affect my love for children or watching them grow and learn. And no, your pause does not seem endearing.

Think about how arrogant you sound next time you tell an elementary education major about how little they'll get paid or before you pause and give us that "I don't know how to respond because this is awful" face.

We have done our research and have made an educated decision on our future career and have made it for a reason. We don't have to explain ourselves to you.

You heard me right. Elementary education is my major. And I cannot wait to start the rest of my life.