next on the list...

I'm gearing up for my next challenge now...I'm going back to school in the Fall. And better yet, I'm going to the same college I went the first time...Fontbonne. The thought of roaming those halls again is really exciting to me!

With my kids on their way to both being in school full time in a little over a year, I have started thinking about going back to work. The problem is, it kills me to think about going back to do the same thing I did before. My field was Marketing/Public Relations, and with 6-1/2 years out of the business -- I feel lost. The technology involved moves at hyper-speed, It has passed me right by. And the thought of stressful deadlines and 9 to 5 hours (or longer) just doesn't work for me anymore. I was on a quest for something more fulfilling and more compatible with the schedule I would like to keep.

I finally came to conclusion that a career in teaching would be best for all concerned.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved the classroom. As a child I took any available opportunity to ‘play’ school with stuffed animals as classmates and pretend homework assignments. I did well throughout all of my years of schooling and was acknowledged for my success as a student. I always used to joke that I would go to school forever if I could. My only regret is that I hadn’t recognized during my college undergraduate work that a degree in teaching would have given me the chance to have everything that I wanted.

Throughout my high school and college years, whenever possible I took part-time jobs that allowed me interaction with children and placed me in a learning environment such as day care centers and latch key programs. Even back then I got a kick out of inspiring young minds.

But I think what really drew me into the teaching profession most is watching my Kindergartner learn to read. I remember when she began her grade school adventure; I wondered how I could aid in her reading comprehension. Quite frankly, I’ve had little to do with the process…but I’ve definitely been inspired by it. Watching her go from average letter recognition to the yearning to read everything she sees has been amazing. Because of her teacher, my daughter loves to crack open a book and she beams with pride as she sounds out words and puts them together. I would like to give that to someone.

I want to be a teacher. Not for the pay, not for the praise, but for the possibility to build a livelihood being where I love to be…the classroom. And for me, the journey to get there will be as enjoyable as the destination.

Throughout my life teachers have held some very significant roles for me. They have motivated me to try new things, encouraged me to stick with challenging activities and have now helped me to appreciate what I am being called to do. I have always had a passion for learning and now I would like to pass that on.

Wish me luck!