Back to School, Back to School

My new school bag, courtesy of Ethan

In a few short weeks, I'll be entering an academic setting for the first time in 5 years. I'm going back to school to teach high school social studies.

I've always wanted to be a teacher, except for the short span of time in which I wanted to be an attorney (thanks for that, Harper Lee). At 18, after I'd made living arrangements and accepted an academic scholarship at IU, I decided to go to cosmetology school. I wouldn't go back and do it differently for anything.

The past 3 1/2 years in the salon have been an incredible experience. I've had the opportunity to build relationships with people I wouldn't have otherwise known. I've had the blessing of learning how to listen - whether it was venting through struggles, mourning a loss, or sharing in joy - I've had the privilege of being a confidant. Making people feel good about themselves - even with a simple haircut - is an indescribable feeling. The icing on the cake is working with people who support and celebrate with me, always. I will continue this profession, in some regard, as long as I'm physically able.

In recent months, I've felt strongly that teaching is what I'm supposed to pursue, as terrifying as it may be. I've heard endless negativity surrounding education, ranging from criticisms of the state to the teachers themselves. Many feel teachers aren't paid enough or as respected as they should be. I would agree with both, but neither are the reason I've chosen to teach. I'm not concerned with money, my bills will be paid. I don't need respect, I need to teach. I want to know the children that will be entering the real world soon. If one student finds his or her passion in my classroom, if one student receives support and encouragement they aren't getting elsewhere, if one student sees the world differently, if one student realizes someone cares, that will be enough.

Recently, the resignation letter of a high school social studies teacher was released, in which he states that his profession 'no longer exists'. Contrary to what it probably should've done, it only further concreted my decision. It saddens me that seasoned educators are giving up. Yes, I find the current climate of our education system to be dismal, but it isn't hopeless. As long as there are teachers fighting for students, it will never be hopeless. Much like a marriage, I believe a career about which one is passionate must be for better or for worse. Policies will change, our culture will change, our economy will change, the challenges of our youth will change, but the need for good teachers won't. I firmly believe that at some point, hopefully sooner rather than later, our society's view of education will shift; its value, and the value of those within it, will be recognized.

Perhaps it all sounds a little dreamy, but what kind of world would it be if everyone entered their passion and career only seeing the negative?

Here's to new beginnings, the fear of change, and hope.