Why I Want to Teach...

Today I rediscovered why I want to be a teacher. I want to be a teacher so that I can help kids know they are not alone in this world and they have someone who will stand behind them and support them 100% of the way. Today, my heart literally broke reading student responses to the following prompt: "If there is anything you could change about yourself, what would it be and why?" I got answers ranging from liking yourself for who you are, getting more motivation to do homework, losing weight to be prettier/better looking, getting the "right" (popular) clothes and looks so people will like you,all the way to the idea of not existing as not to annoy your family.

I couldn't help but cry. My second period probably thought I was crazy! Their responses further instilled in me why I chose the profession I did. If I can inspire one child to be the best they ultimately can be, and if I can instill in them the knowledge that they are worth something and can rise above the crappy life-road that has been laid in front of them, then I believe I will succeed as an educator. I only hope I can do it.