Advice: What Should I Say?

 If you could give one piece of advice to a large group of people, what would it be?

Here's today's prompt for the #blogtemberchallenge. I had to think about this one for a while. I did post this a few months ago after I spoke at the Junior/Senior Prom Banquet. And while I do still stand by those words I spoke, there may be a few more I'd like to relay.

One of the best decisions I've ever made was to choose a profession I'd love and one that was rewarding. So...I chose to become a teacher.

Teaching isn't the highest paying profession. Shocker, I know! Teaching also isn't the most popular profession. Right now many schools in my area are in dire need of teachers.

But here's the thing. I have always wanted to be a part of a profession where I could make an impact on people. I've always wanted to be a part of a profession where I could support others the way I was supported all my life.

About a year ago, I had a very good discussion with my dad in regards to teaching. He asked how my job was going and if it was getting at all easier. Usually I don't have too think to long or hard about my response to such a question. But, I really had to think that night.

"Was work getting easier? I don't know. Have I been called fewer names than last year? I guess so."

"Was I happy? I don't know. Do I love waking up in the morning to go to school? Mornings, come again."

So I really had to think about it. Ultimately I responded with..."It's getting easier, yes. However, some days are just really tough. What do I do when I have a sophomore boy sleeping during classroom activities?? It's not like he has to sit and listen to a lecture all hour...good grief. What do I do when I have 300 assignments to correct before the end of the eligibility period in two days?!" Yes...there were times when I did have 300 assignments to grade. What?? When I see 120+ students every day and if they turn in 1-3 assignments in a 2-5 day time span...yeah, I got backed up!

And as I thought about it...as stressed as I was and as exhausted as I was...I was happy. I got to be in front of a group of students who would roll their eyes at me when I made funny faces, talked in funny voices, or just did something ridiculous. I was fortunate enough to influence the lives of students who may or may not have had a good reason to go home. This all may be wishful thinking, but I told my dad this, "If I have made a difference in one student's life in the time I've been at this school, all of the work, stress, tears, long hours, and headaches will have been worth it."

And that's when I realized it. I wasn't supposed to be in any profession other than teaching. Sure, being a teacher is about delivering content and all that jazz. But it's also so much more than that. Teaching is about being consistent when your students might not have consistency anywhere else. Teaching is about setting expectations for your students because he/she might not have anyone else to help them succeed. Teaching is about helping students be successful citizens after they leave the education system (and yes...even before that).

And I know it's been said before and I won't be the last to say it, but teaching really is all for the students.

So when I think about the advice I'd give to a large group of people, it would have to be this...

It doesn't matter if you're 18 or 81. If you are unhappy with where you're at in life, take a look at what you are passionate about. If you can identify what you desire and what your passion in life is, chase it down. It's never too late to find a passion.

Sure, I certainly do not like mornings. But once I get to school and start having conversations with my students, I realize it's worth it. When I see a student's eyes light up when they finally understand what we're working through, I realize it's worth it.

The reality is this. I might not be making a lot of money and I might not be so glamorous, but I get to go to my job and do something I'm really passionate about.

How many of you can say that?
Find your passion.