Thoughts from a first year teacher on paper-- 7th year in the classroom

When I was younger, I pictured my life doing mission trips around the world and leisure traveling. I honestly feel this is true living, at least for me. It was the only goal I had for my future.

As I was still trying to figure out what to do after high school, I picked up a teacher's assistant job in the meantime. Three years later I started traveling the world, like I promised my younger self. It was then, at a school in Thailand, where I realized I wanted to teach for the rest of my life (on top of the amazing students and wonderful experiences I had while being a teacher's assistant).

I wanted a job where I could still be myself, have a reasonable schedule, and a home life.

By being a teacher, I know Monday through Friday I'll be home by four o' clock, still go shopping, meet up with a friend, or clean my house, have some wine and relax. I can enjoy the weekends, and invest in my spirituality, physical and mental health. 

I truly love teaching, I love reading what students write, I love mentoring them aside from academics-- I love what I do. 

The students I meet each year are all so unique. When they accidentally call me "mom" or "ma," it takes them a minute to realize what they've said. I know they feel comfortable, heard and appreciated, and I want nothing but the best for them. 

I don’t have to be anxious if we want to start a family someday, or take a two-month long vacay in Southeast Asia. I can budget for it. I can work around it. I am able to plan ahead! 
There is so much joy in teaching, my students are so great every year, and I am extremely grateful for them. 

Teaching is hard, and not for everybody. It is definitely not for a paycheck, and the breaks we get in between-- if anything, are more to get our minds ready for what is next. You need to be wholly there in all aspects, you cannot bring work home or home to work. If you're reading this and also happen to be a teacher, you know exactly what I mean--this is not for the weak! 

I hope I become a veteran teacher. I am honestly looking forward to more stories, and building more long-lasting relationships! 

~This is my whole fulfillment~