Teaching, most people think that it is a fun, easy job that you get paid vacations, but that is not the case. Teaching comes with many risk-taking life decisions that can impact your life, and that risk starts when you declare your major (or minor in my case) with the education department.

There are risks every time we go out and drink because a DUI and significant alcohol offense can impact whether or not we can continue in the program.

We are at risk of not surviving the program and having to come up with a quick plan B because things aren't working out.

We are at risk of not ever finding a job because we have to compete with 20+ people for one underpaid position. We often are at risk of working in retail for an extended period. Even if we do get hired are at risk of getting fired because of budget cuts.

Teaching is the only profession that spends money out of their own pockets to supply their "patients" or "clients" with the things they need, in addition to spending hundreds of dollars to make a classroom feel like a home to our "clients." We are most likely to declare bankruptcy because we are underpaid, we have caring hearts, and the schools have too much for us.

We are at risk of getting fired every time we go out, at the simplest mistake we make, or a complaint from a scorned parent because Jimmy didn't get the "A" he deserves, but Jimmy didn't submit any work.

There are many risks to becoming and being a teacher, but we have our reasons for why we want to do it.

Despite the risks of not making it in the program, I will do all I can to follow my dreams.

Despite the risks of getting kicked out of the program, it gives me the initiative to work hard to stay in the program.

Despite the risk of not finding a job for a long time, I know that God will have me at a school where I belong and can help students.

Despite facing bankruptcy, seeing my students being successful will be worth the risk.

Despite the risks of being fired for the simplest things, as long as I'm following my dreams, I don't care how cautious I have to be when I go out and do tasks.

Despite all the risks in the world when it comes to teaching, I still want to do it because I want to give students the chances I was given when I was in their shoes. I want them to have a safe environment and get them to enjoy learning again. There are so things I want to do to fix the school system. It may be 40 years until I achieve my goals, but in the end, it will be worth it.