I knew that I wanted to teach when I was a sophomore in high school. I had a plan to attend my first-choice college and study math and science middle school education. I never felt lost or had to change majors as so many people do in college. I just focused on my studies and staying involved in organizations. It was not until I had one semester left, my clinical teaching internship, that I realized I no longer wanted to teach. At that point, I was already enrolled in a Masters of Education program in Curriculum and Instruction that overlaps my undergrad to graduate with two degrees in five years. So I did what any rational human being would do and got a job teaching since that is what my expertise was in. I figured that I would have to stay in my college town anyways to finish my Masters program for the next year.
That was a decision I ultimately dreaded the day I started my job as a teacher mid-year. Not only did I not enjoy it but it is substantially more difficult to come in and set up rules and procedures in January rather than August. Every day I dreaded the drive to work and I could not stand what I did. But I tried not to let it show because I had a responsibility to my students and the school to help them learn math. Ultimately, I learned how to stand firm in what I say and always have integrity on the job. My grit and determination grew tenfold during this experience because I finished my contract instead of quitting.
However, this still left me lost and apprehensive about what my future would hold for me. All I knew was that I needed to finish my Masters and that my five-year goal was to move to Chicago. So I applied to finish my graduate degree online and started job hunting on every job search site that I could think of. I even had a few interviews when I visited family up there. But let me note that these interviews showed me that I had no idea what I was doing outside the world of education. Going from the informal educational setting to a corporate office is no easy task. I researched and read about various careers for hours trying to see if it was something I could see myself doing long-term. I ended up zoning in on recruiting since I love to help people and I am a good conversationalist. Not only that, it is common for recruiters to come from different backgrounds. I am still learning how to go with the flow with all of this because honestly, I am very afraid of failing. I just know that I am not the only one going through this so keep your head up!
