Growing up, I always knew I wanted to do something with books for a future career. Since I can remember, holding a book in my hands and being transported to another person's story was the most comforting, natural place for me to be. I toyed around with the idea of teaching for a few years, but by the time I started high school I was certain I wanted to go into publishing as an editor.

That was until my senior year rolled around and I'd had the opportunity to have the same English teacher for three out of the four years. Ms. Bruce was and is, by far, my favorite teacher I've ever had. She's super laid back, personable, and everyone could tell she loves literature and reading. She's someone I could look up to personally as a role model as well as the teacher who specifically reintroduced my mind to the topic of teaching.

I've always been someone who works by a plan, I'm a type A person and I LOVE everything to do with organization and schedules. I thought that I'd put teaching on the backburner, even after my mom suggested it'd probably be smarter to get licensure in education and have teaching as my backup.

Now that I'm in college and I've seen the ladder that is the publishing industry, I'm thankful that I opted to get that licensure as my mom suggested. It would be nearly impossible for me to find a stable job at a publishing house AND have enough money to support myself straight out of college.

I'm still planning on editing during the summer months, while I have a break from teaching, but being in the education field and going to Longwood has caused me to really love school and teaching. I work at a daycare when I'm home from college, but there's just something about being in an actual school classroom, with desks and bookshelves and walls you've taken the time to meticulously decorate. It feels like home.

This summer, I'm taking what feels like the first official step in my teaching journey - I'm doing my three-week practicum! If you haven't heard of practicum, it's basically a miniature version of student teaching. I'm in the same classroom all day, five days a week, observing and teaching a few lessons.

At this point, I know what school I'll be at as well as the cooperating teacher and the supervisor from Longwood that will be observing me in the classroom. Everyone that I've met that'll be connected to my practicum journey is super nice and supportive. However, I am still nervous.

I know that'll change once I get into the classroom, start getting to know the students, and become more comfortable in the role of a teacher, but I can't help it!

Even though I'm pretty nervous because it's uncharted territory for me, I'm still really excited. I'm super excited to be making strides towards my career, which is something that I've looked forward to since elementary school (I'm finally becoming an adult). I'm also excited to see the differences and similarities between the role of a student versus a teacher. This experience is also my first in a middle school classroom.

Overall, I'm getting ready for this new journey to start and I can't wait to see how I grow as both a teacher and an individual. Someday, I'll look back on my nerves and probably laugh, but I'll also remember the anticipation and excitement tied to this first for me.