I never pictured myself as a teacher—of any kind. I knew I wanted to help people and that I really liked the idea of working with children in my future, but no, not as a teacher. Then my freshman year of college, a friend of mine who worked at a daycare posted on Facebook that they were hiring there. I messaged her and met with the owner a few days later and started within the next week. I had another job in retail so I was scared as to how I was going to balance two jobs while also being a full-time student.

The more I worked and the longer I was there, teaching these kids didn’t feel like work. It was stressful at times, yes, but the benefits and happiness it brought me made it totally worth it. I never pictured myself as a teacher because I remember never being that eager to learn in school. I loved certain subjects but hated others and that made me not want to do a whole lot. But the kids at the daycare are so willing and excited to learn! Whether it’s shapes, numbers, the ABC’s or anything else, they love having guidance on how to learn. It’s amazing in the nine months that I have worked there how much these kids have learned and grown.

Another thing is, if you didn’t know, children are so sweet and loving. Yes, they have their crazy and annoying moments but they are incredible. They always want to be in your lap, give hugs, cuddle, and play with your hair, among other things. They melt my heart, day after day after day. Now, I can’t imagine not being a teacher.

My major as a freshman was Child, Youth, and Family Studies. The more thought I put into what I wanted to do and what I pictured my life as in the future, I saw nothing but being a teacher for young children. Though I do not plan to teach daycare aged children, I would like to teach kindergarten. I am so excited to change my major to Early Childhood Education and see where that takes me.

If it weren’t for getting a job at the daycare and falling in love with being a teacher and for the amazing children I have the privilege to teach and watch grow, I would not be where I am with such a clear view of what my future should be.