"Why are you going into teaching? You are so smart. You could be anything. You could make so much more money following a different career path." These are a few common things most teachers-to-be can relate to. These questions and thoughts really drive me insane so I came up with a list of eight reasons on why I decided to pursue teaching.

1. Passion.

Beginning at a very young age I knew I wanted to pursue a career where I could help children receive bright and promising futures. To be completely honest, I wanted to be a pediatrician at the beginning-but quickly realized I don't have the strength to handle much blood, and I couldn't see myself following through with this career (long-term). This is what led me to my new and improved dream of becoming a teacher. What better way to engage kids and help shape them for the future? Being a teacher is something I could see myself doing -long term- and something I could imagine myself being excited for every morning! Teaching is much more then a profession, it is a passion.

2. Who Better?

One of the most common things people say to me is 'you are so smart, why teaching?' You could make so much more money. The answer to that question is so simple: Who better? Who better then someone 'so smart' to teach your future children? It is the perfect profession for highly intelligent people, while you may not become a billionaire, you will gain memories that will last throughout you're lifetime.

3. Options.

I've got to admit I am looking forward to regular hours and free summers. Being a teacher gives you options for summers and weekends. While there will be days you have to come to school you will still have free time to explore new things. What better job then somewhere you can wake up and be excited to go to and have guaranteed days off for extra passions? Beyond exciting!

4. I Get To Stay Young.

I have quickly learned that being an adult gets exhausting. Being around students will help me stay connected to current trends and events. Going to work I will get the opportunity to experience moments of laughter and happiness every day.

5. Giving Back to the Community.

Becoming a teacher will allow me to give back to my community. Coming from a community of low income students I have always wanted to have the ability to be a positive inspiration for struggling students. Being a teacher will allow me to purse that dream and become an inspiration for students in my community.

* Never Doubt YOU: If you are passionate and driven for a career don't let anyone stop you from pursuing your dream. If the reasons people give you never make you change your mind you're in the right profession and I encourage you to keep striving to reach your goals. Waking up and being excited to go to work is something everybody should strive for. Working somewhere you love is honorable and very rewarding. You will never 'work' a day in your life if you choose a career you LOVE!