With graduation looming in the distance, I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I've waited my entire life to get out into the real world and do what I was meant to do. I have always loved children and wanted to work with them. My love for reading and writing has also given me the inspiration to become an English teacher. I feel as though I've learned so much from my school and cannot wait to get started doing what I was meant to do. Despite my excitement, I'm also nervous. Is teaching what I am meant to do? Will I be good at it? Here are five things weighing on my mind as a future educator.

1. Preparation

People always say that the first year of teaching is always the hardest year. I find myself wondering if college has prepared me for everything that I am going to have to face. Will I have some sort of "teacher instinct" that will tell me what to do when I get there?

Now that I am getting close to the finish line, I seem to ask myself, "What if I'm not ready?" or "How am I going to manage 25+ students and make sure they learn all of the material?" At this point, I will just have to have faith that what I have learned in school will help me get through that first year. Afterward, I believe it will be a much easier ride.

2. Drawing the line

I think that every teacher hopes to be a cool teacher. Who wouldn't want to be loved by his/her class? I want every one of my students to feel comfortable coming to me with issues they are facing in their lives. I know that some students are going through more than any child should. However, I also know that I am there to teach material to prepare them for their adult lives. How will I draw that line between being a friendly and open teacher to a teacher that demands respect and order in the classroom?

3. Common Core

It's very interesting to hear people's comments on Common Core. Now, I have not practiced any of the math standards, and that is the subject that seems to weigh heavily on people's minds. Since I am in English, the standards that I have learned and practiced while in college has greatly helped to improve my lessons. I find that there really is a purpose of learning this material with Common Core. With the presidential election coming up, I know that Donald Trump wants to get rid of Common Core. What standards, if any, will I use for my lessons? Common Core is something that I have practiced with for quite some time. I feel as though I would be lost without it.

4. Parents

How will I deal with parents who believe that their child is someone who can do no wrong? This sort of thinking not only hurts the teacher, but it also hurts their child in the long run. As parents and educators, I want us to come together to create a well-rounded individual who has the ability to function in society. I want all of my future students to grow up and be the best versions of themselves as they can be. How will I get this mindset across to someone who simply will not have it?

5. Students

This is what I am here for. I believe that I was put on this Earth to help young people grow into the people they want to become. I want them to dream big and reach their goals. I want them to love with all of their hearts and see all of what's good in the world. I will do everything in my power to give them the best version of myself. I know that my students learn from me, but most of all, I know that I will learn from them.