Passion > Money

I have the best job in the world. Not because everyone wishes they did what I do (because they don't), not because I make a ton of money (because I don't), & not because I only work 8am-4pm on weekdays (seriously, y'all. . .people actually believe that). I have the best job in the world because I get to interact with some of the best kind of people: high school students.  I get to be around awesome teenagers searching for who they are, what they want from life, & what they want to contribute to the world. These kids push themselves to be better; these kids share their ideas & philosophies with me & each other. They are sincere and sarcastic, curious & creative. They challenge me every day. They surprise me every day. They let me listen to them, let me encourage them, & let me be part of their lives. I'm so freaking lucky.

I can't believe that at 25, I know I'm doing exactly what I was put here to do. I'm still scratching my head, trying to figure out what I did to deserve such an incredible gig. Out of all the jobs I could have chosen, or thought I wanted at one time or another, I've known since I was 10 that teaching is where I belong. It's where I'm at home. The coolest part of all of that is that I love it despite the fact that I would in no way consider myself an expert. I still have so, so much to learn. There is so much out there that I can use to make me better at what I do, there are so many other teachers I can learn from & look up to. That's the beauty of it. Every year there is opportunity to build on what I've already done or completely scrap it and start over (the second one happens more often than I'd like to admit). There's choice involved. Not just mine, but the students', too. It's unpredictable in the best way possible. Each year is different because each kid is different.

I have pulled more all-nighters as a teacher than I ever did in college. I am in a perpetual state of being up to my eyes in essays, up to my neck in deadlines, and up to my ears in parent emails, meetings, & staff development. But I get to deal with all of that while surrounded by young men and women who have so much talent. So many questions. So much to offer. How great is that??

My job lends itself to investing in people. It lends itself to building relationships and trust. As many times as I've been frustrated with a particular student or situation, I get to laugh twice as often (at least). It doesn't matter that the pay isn't outstanding. It doesn't matter that others disregard the teaching profession because they're (ignorantly) convinced "anyone can do it."  None of that matters. I get the opportunity to step back and be impressed by what my kids are able to create, think of, dream up. Passion & enthusiasm make my job worth every second. It's what makes me miss my students the third day into summer. It's what keeps me coming back in August, excited to meet the new batch of kids whose lives will change my own.

If it wasn't for my students, I can't tell you where I'd be or what I'd love. And I'm ok with that.