I am a _____ because....

Tomorrow morning I have to stand up in front of my new faculty-friends (250+) and answer the statement, "I am a teacher because...." It's sort of fitting that I'm answering this statement tomorrow of all days as tomorrow is my 26th birthday. No one there is going to know that since I'm the newbie and all, but for me, answering this statement on my birthday means that I'm coming full circle.

"I am a teacher because...."

One of the Assistant Principals (and also my Department Head) gave all the first-year teachers the task of answering this statement as a sort of kick-off to the year. She wants us to inspire the veteran teachers. Basically, remind them why they got into teaching in the first place. First-year teachers come into teaching with passion, excitement, and gusto. The kind of energy that makes a person feel like he/she can take on the world. The Assistant Principal wants us to remind all the veterans of that feeling. Passion....I've got that! That sort of passion to teach kids has been burning in me for YEARS. You can ask my husband and my best friend, Jennifer. They know. And I'm sure by now my friends around here know, too. It's in me. It's apparently so obvious that my bosses notice. Why? I'm the only first-year teacher with more than one class. Not only that. I'm the only teacher new to the school with more than one class. That's pressure. Why did they do that? As my Department Head told me, "I believe in you. You have passion." I guess I'll trust her judgment and leave it at that.

So why did I become a teacher?

Well, it certainly wasn't for the money or the fame! There are so many reasons, honestly. On Monday morning, though, I'm going to stand up in front of that large crowd, a nervous, passionate, excited, 26 year-old teacher and say,

"I am a teacher because...there's nothing better than watching a student have a 'light bulb moment,' and I want to be the one to flip the switch."

So now I'm going to pass my same task on to you. Why do you do what you do? And I want you to really think about it. Sure, you can always pass off stock answers, "I am a stay-at-home mom because I like watching my kids grow up." "I am a receptionist because I like helping people." But really...think, people!

Enjoy your Monday!!