When I started this blog I promised myself that everything I wrote would be positive. No negativity. The thing is in the realm of teaching and more over---passionate teaching--- that is a naïve statement.
The fact is when you love something-- it's complicated. You have extreme highs and extreme lows./ You wish so much that you didn't love it so much. But, you can't help it.
I always felt that being a teacher was an allusive, unattainable thing for me. I was never sure that I really had what it took. The passion, dedication to help young people to achieve.
At one time I really thought I wanted to follow in my mother's footsteps and be a speech language pathologist, but I was told by someone close to me that, "Well, you've got to be smart to be a speech language pathologist." At the time that broke my heart. So, although I kept the dream of being a teacher close to my heart, I wasn't sure I could do it. I moved forward with life, and went with something I knew I could succeed in-- communications and public relations, then being a mother. I felt successful in these areas, but I still wanted to be a teacher. I applied to education programs off and on for about 10 years. I would apply and be so excited to get the acceptance letter. I would open the mailbox, and get that acceptance packet. I felt like I was apart of some special club-- a club that I still wasn't sure that I was worthy of. But then I thought, "Am I really ready for this?" "Do I have what it takes?" I would put it off.
I guess my point in saying all of this is I love teaching. I feel proud and honored that I made it to where I am-- as a 6th grade teacher of ELA. Honestly, I feel that God and Christ have guided me all the way. I know that I wasn't meant to be a speech language pathologist. I wasn't meant to be a public relations specialist. I was meant to be a middle school teacher. That was my ultimate calling.
I love my students. I love that my students from last year still want to connect with me. That they reach out to me, and know I won't dismiss them, but be open to them. That I will always be there, and be that positive person. That rock. That is what I want to be. That is what keeps me going--my students.
This may all seem a little sappy, and I if I didn't feel passionate about education, I could easily see that I might be a crazy person. But, this is my story. This is why I care so much.
I don't want any of my students to be 35 years old before they are brave enough to live their passions. I want them to know that people, like their teachers, believe that they can live their dreams now. That they can make a difference in the world now. Yes, it's hard. Yes, it can be full of disappointments as well as joys. But, that's life. And that is what makes life worth living.
Be passionate. Be strong. Live.
Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
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