My interest in becoming a teacher began when I was in high school. I was going through some of my own issues due to my father's death so had you asked some of my teachers if I would become a teacher back then they probably would've laughed. I even went to extent of calling one of my student teachers the "B" word. There were some teachers on the other hand that believed that I had a way with helping others and a teacher of mine asked if I would like to assist with the special education gym class for elective credits. I agreed and it was one of the most rewarding activities I could have done. I spent a lot of time with a boy with cerebral palsy and he was all smiles when he would see me and during our time together. All the children had struggles that a lot of us won't have to deal with in our lifetime, but they always seemed so high on life. When I worked with them, I forgot about all the other things going on in my life. They taught me to appreciate the little things in life. I had one student who would always ask me to go to prom with him my junior year. The day of the prom, while I was taking pictures at my house, the phone rang and it happened to be him telling me to have a good time.
This passion towards working with all kids and kids with special needs has continued through my profession today. I love my job and I feel blessed that I can say that because I don't think their are many people out there that can. Teaching also fulfills my passion for lifelong learning. I am always learning something new from my colleagues, students, or the professional materials I read. Every day at school, Katy, a student in my room runs up and yells my name and hugs me like she hasn't seen me in weeks. It is these types of things that keep you going from day to day.
