It’s hard to believe, but I almost wasn’t
a teacher.
When I first started college, my mind was
completely made up that I would work in advertising. I got an amazing internship opportunity my
sophomore year, and thought I was set.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that it didn’t make me happy. And I wasn’t good at it. It just wasn’t working.
God opened doors and placed teaching on
my heart. I am so very thankful that
He knew what I needed, and showed me the way.
I taught 4th
grade my first two years. It was
hard—the kind of hard that made me want to give up this dream and do something
else. I couldn’t see the big picture.
This year, the 4th
grade students I had that very first HARD year-- will graduate from high
school. Through Facebook, I saw that one
of those students just got her college acceptance letter to the University of
Alabama. I BAWLED like a little baby,
y’all. Not only was I beyond proud of
this kid, but I felt that in some way, I was part of her journey to get there,
you know?
What we do as teachers, each
and every day, is so much bigger than we can see. We are helping kids reach their goals and
accomplish dreams. And, I’m not going to
lie…I also cried because I feel super OLD—but that’s another story.
What are you thankful for? Link up with Blog Hoppin'!
We truly have the greatest job, don't we?!? Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteI'm SO happy you went with teaching! I've been following for a long time (well, long in the blogging world) and use your products...it would be such a loss if you weren't working in education! My very first students are now married, which is shocking since I feel so very young ;) Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteJen
I almost was not a teacher too! And then when I started school.. I was so afraid of the little ones and now that is where my heart lies! I remember when I got my student teaching assignment everyone was like "ohhh.. they put Jen in kinder!" LOL. Now I am thankful they did!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Simply Kinder
What an amazing connection we have with all our "kids"! Isn't it great!?
ReplyDeleteKaren :o)
Mrs. Stamp's Kindergarten
I have been asked twice to speak at our High School graduation when former Kindergartners were graduating. The first was in 1992 when my first class of kInders graduated. The second was just last year! I am so blessed to have stayed with the same school system and be able to watch my kinders grow up. One former Kindergartner was our High school principal a few years ago and I am currently teaching with some of my former students! It makes you realize what an impact we do have on their lives. It also makes you realize how old you REALLY are!
ReplyDelete