Some of you think I’m crazy, others worry about my salary and most of you question my sanity. Telling people that I’m going to college to get a degree in early childhood education really stumps some people. Yes, you heard me correctly: I’m going to school to be a little kid’s teacher. So what? I’m a little over halfway done with my degree and so far, the only people who encourage me in this direction are my professors. No one else can see the joy that this degree can bring into my life. Here are some confessions about our degree that we early childhood education majors wish everyone would take into consideration.
1. We hate when you give us the “pity” look when we tell you our major.
I can’t tell you the amount of times I have been given this look, but I know it is far too many. Why do you feel sorry for us? You do know that we chose this profession, don't you? Sometimes the looks people give us are really disheartening.
2. No, we do not need you to “talk us out” of our major.
Again, we chose this major for a reason.
3. I know I’m not going to be a millionaire.
Chances are, neither will you. I would much rather go to a job that I enjoy every single day of my life and get paid less than I would going to a job I can’t wait to get over with.
4. Our schooling is not easy.
I know that most of you chemistry, nursing or engineering majors look at us and laugh. I know that you think our classes are super easy because we’re learning to add fractions all over again. However, that’s totally not the case. We have to become experts in child development. We also spend many, many hours doing unpaid field work on top of juggling six or seven classes each semester. So yes, while you’re studying for your semester exams, we’re studying how to better shape America’s future.
5. The thought of having my own classroom excites me.
I am a huge planner and organizer, so getting to create a learning environment as my home-away-from-home gives me chills. I. Cannot. Wait.
6. We know that we are the kids' moms when they come to school.
OK, we may not show every characteristic that a mother would to her child, but in a lot of ways, we will. As heartbreaking as it is, some children can’t wait to get to school so they can have someone to get attention from. My job will be more than simply educating student’s brilliant minds; I know and understand there is way more to teaching than just that.
7. Most of us will not graduate in four years.
I’m telling you, it's hard work! Every degree is. Between classes, work, field experience and finding time to eat, we do not have any social hours available. And if we do, then there is no way that graduating on time is going to happen.
8. We really do love children.
How could you not want to spend your time around little people, who say careless things that make us laugh and who have huge imaginations and hearts? There’s really no better way to make you happy!
9. Being a role model for young children will have a huge affect on my life.
I love the fact that I will have an impact on each child who walks through my classroom door. Yes, it’s a huge responsibility, but there’s no other thing I’d rather be doing. Even more than that, I know how rewarding being a teacher will be to me. Watching students grow, learn new things and achieve goals is really why I chose this profession.
There’s really no greater feeling than knowing you had something to do shaping a child’s life for the better. Are you an early childhood major? What are some things you wish you could confess for the world to know?
