I never thought I would ever decide to chase after being a teacher, growing up it was seemingly unappealing to me. Which was quite contradictory considering I absolutely {love} children and have worked with them for years. My original career pathway would have led me to be a Nurse, which was also contradictory because I am terrified of needles. The ladies at the health department absolutely dreaded giving me shots, it might have something to do with the fact that I had accidentally kicked one and told her if she 'gave me that shot I would have my dad arrest her!' Of course I've settled down now, I'm just a crier, but I wouldn't be shocked if I was memorable ;)
When I switched pathways, I'm not really sure. All I know is that since I can remember I have only ever wanted to inspire children. The idea of empowering a child makes my heart beat faster with glee and my goal seem so much more attainable. Children are so fragile, their innocence is precious and my goal has always been to protect that. Continuously I became discouraged because I have always wanted to make a significant change in a child's life, impact them in a positive way, but never had I found the road to go down. As soon as Christmas ends, memories hit me from the previous year and reflecting is my favorite thing to do. What was accomplished? Were challenges faced head on? How did I handle situations? What did I do to BETTER this world? and just as soon responses follow, and then dreams for the following year. However, year after year it's like I'm running in place, going nowhere. Now that college is here, life is moving, tasks are getting completed. This year when I spent my time reflecting, that same thump, thump, thump, in my heart began as I thought of all the different ways I could serve others. From going on a missions trip, to serving at a teen home, or even starting a food closet. They were all amazing ideas, but didn't seem permanent enough. One day while talking with one of my best friends, she had mentioned that she switched her major from Nursing to Elementary Education. Instantly it was like my mind went "Oh, that's just it."
Children have always held such a special, important place in my heart. My only goal in life when I was little (and to this day) was to be the best mother and wife I ever could. Working at a daycare currently, my eyes see multiple personalities and how differently they respond and react and interact with one another. It is really something to watch how these little humans think, and how much they do not yet know, yet seem to be wiser than many at the young age they are at. Honesty is one word that pops in my brain when I see children interact. They are so truthful, they are real and it is what separates them from each other, creates all the different personalities. This is probably the biggest reason why I want to pursue a career with children. In today's day and age, that is not emphasized enough. Picture this: A little boy attends his first year of schooling, he makes friends with everyone and is happy and feels confident in who he is. Fast forward three years down the road, these children are older now, and now this little boy hates going to class, the kids make fun of him because he is a little bit goofier then the rest (Or as I would term it, a little bit carefree) and now he stops. He isn't his happy little self that makes him comfortable and accepted, because everyone stopped accepting him. So he soon lays low and follows the crowd, it continues this way for the rest of his life. Why? because his ego was damaged at a young age, and he stopped being himself for the sake of embarrassment, and may never get to where he wishes to be in the future. How much worse can it get?
A child should never feel unaccepted, which is why I previously mentioned protecting a child's innocence and its importance. People are so harsh and cutthroat in the world we live in today, they say things they don't even realize are hurtful and it happens over and over again every single day. My goal as a teacher is to Empower the children I teach to not be afraid to be who they are and stand up for what they believe in, I want to incorporate so much into a child's life about how words are everlasting. I want to teach that we can disagree on things and still Love our neighbor. I want to teach that only good thoughts are to be taught about self and others. I want to teach that being honest with others is such a rare and valuable quality to have. My dreams are big, in a small way. (See what I did there?) Never did I ever picture myself choosing this career path, this is only my beginning but I know God is watching out for me on this one. The thought of inspiring a little soul that has lost hope, or even one that just needs some extra inspiration is far more rewarding than any amount of money that could be handed my way.
Always chase your dreams, no matter how small you think they are, remember why you started and keep pushing towards that goal. My future is looking up, I can't wait for whats in store.
xoxo, Rosemary.
