In my four years of high school, my career of choice has changed multiple times. At one point I wanted to be a Photographer, then I wanted to be an Athletic Trainer, then I wanted to be a Physical Therapist, and then I wanted to be a Pediatrician. The only thing I knew I did not want to be was a teacher. Why? They don’t make much, they take (some) work home, they have to deal with meetings, reckless kids, and everything in between, I just didn’t think I had, or would have, the ability to do all of that.  I felt like a mess. As somebody who likes to always have a plan and like they have it all figured out, not having an answer to the question of “What’re you doing after high school?” was driving me crazy. 

I made an appointment with my guidance counselor, to talk strictly about what the future looked like. She advised me to think about what I’m genuinely passionate about. She told me to dig deep into thinking about what I enjoy, what gives me joy, and to not think about what’s going to get me the more money. What job am I going to genuinely enjoy?  

I got to thinking. I absolutely love spending time with kids. At my church, I work in the kids’ program and get to teach & interact with children of all ages. I realized just how much I love watching children comprehend and understand what they’re being taught. So, what did I love…? Teaching! I loved teaching!  

I realized that all along I was trying to think about what job was going to make me feel successful, and in the end, those jobs wouldn’t have given me the joy that an occupation should. I’m so excited to be able to put my creativity to some use, for other people’s benefits, and to keep watching children’s eyes light up in the midst of learning. I’m going to be an Elementary Teacher, and I could not be more ecstatic about it.