ABC's and 123's

"We didn't go into teaching to get rich, but to enrich other." 

- Robert John Meehan 

Ever since I was in 7th grade, I've wanted to be a teacher when I grow up. I think it started then because that's around the first time I started to babysit (the Stanley family). Once I began babysitting, I realized how much I loved being around kids. Well, I also loved it because that meant I could color and eat goldfish and drink capri suns but that isn't the point. I quickly realized that this "job" of taking care of and spending time with kids was one that truly brought me joy and happiness. And don't get me wrong, there were times (and still are) when the kids were bad- they were fussing about everything, fighting over toys, and occasionally slapping and pushing each other. These were the not so fun and joyful parts about babysitting. When these incidents occurred, I would have to bring out my "teacher voice" and put kids in time out, get on to them, and talk sternly. 7 years later this still kills me and I hate doing it, but I have to. Thankfully, this taught me how to gain authority and respect from the kids, and I learned what means needed to be taken as far as discipline was concerned. Once again, NOT fun, but necessary.

The Stanleys aka the kids who make me realize I love
working with kids

Precious kiddos :) 

On the other hand, I also have learned so much about how kids learn, understand, and apply everything they see, hear, touch, and are taught. I have loved being able to see how the crafts, games, and activities that I do teach the kids different things. One of my favorite parts of interacting with them is when they get something right for the first time like coloring inside the lines or singing the alphabet all the way through without messing up. It's the little things like this that made me realize that my heart, passion, and life are centered around children. I soon realized that's what I needed to make a career and life out of. And that's what I've been doing for the past 7 years even if I didn't t realize. The most joyful and exciting parts of my days, weeks, and years are spent with children- whether it's babysitting, helping with sunday school and vbs, or spending time in an actual classroom with the students. There's nothing that brings me greater joy.

3 of my first graders I got to work with last semester (Spring 2014)

Sweet 1st graders!

With all that being said, once I had to apply for colleges and choose a major, I had no problem deciding on one: Elementary Education (Early Childhood). Every time I tell someone my major, I say it proudly and with a smile on my face because it's one that I love with all my heart. When I told friends and family my choice in a major, they all said, "oooh that's so perfect for you." Hearing that confirmed that God had led me in the right direction. Aside from all the encouragement, I was also faced with discouragement. I had several family members and class mates question my decision. One said that "the public school classroom is not somewhere I need to be involved. There's too much drama. I need to join admissions. I'll succeed better there and have less stress." And another said (This one makes me cringe), "you're gonna be a teacher? Do you know how much teachers make a year? You need to do something else to make more money." Uhhh no. I had to walk away before I slapped/yelled at that person just by the way. I know that finances and being able to support myself is important, but the amount of money that I'll make doesn't make it or break for me. If I am given the blessing and opportunity to teach precious children, every single day for the rest of my life, I am, without a doubt, going to take it. No matter what. That's how I know I have a passion for it. 

Teaching Sunday School at EPC

To me, teaching is far more than just a job and a way to support myself. It's a life changing opportunity for me to change lives. By being a teacher, and I know this from just observing in a classroom once a week for 5 months, you are impacting and shaping the lives of your students every single day. They don't care what you look like, how many friends you have, what car you drive, or how much money you're making by being there. All they care about is having you there, loving them, and making them feel like they can learn and do anything in the world. They way a kid smiles when they get 1 + 1 right for the first time warms my heart. The way they are so eager and excited to learn the next letter of the alphabet makes me excited. And the way they run up to you for a hug at the beginning and end of the day is a feeling that I can't explain. All they want to know is what your favorite color is, who your favorite disney character is (Repunzel is mine btw), and how many dogs or cats you have. They care about the little things that in the end, are the bigs things. How? Because those little facts about you help them to get to know you and love you. It is so so precious and something that has blessed me and blown me away. Kids are so selfless (99% of the time) and look up to you more than you know. I know I looked up to and was impacted by every single teacher I had from Kindergarten to 12th grade. I hope that one day, I'll be a teacher that my little 5 and 6 year old kindergartners still remember and hug even when they're 14, 15, and 16. To know that my job is helping a child become the man or woman they will grow up to be, is precious to me and an honor. That's why teaching is the job I want and what I want to spend my whole life doing- serving and investing in the little ones to make them feel great and mighty. 

Love love LOVE these 1st graders. They made me realize that in the classroom, is where I belong <3