The funniest thing happened today. I was dropping off a prescription at my local CVS and dealt with the harried, annoyed pharmacist; doing this provoked the most unexpected moment of clarity. I kept thinking "that could have been me"---see, I was accepted into pharmacy school and did a summer pharmacy internship. At the end of the summer, I decided it wasn't for me and turned down the acceptance and continued my undergraduate studies. A few times, over the years, I have questioned my decision. Choosing that career path would mean more money, more respect and other benefits. However, I am so thankful that I went with my gut and ended up in a completely different field. I am a teacher---in New Jersey, that means I am public enemy #1 according to the current governor. I work with 8th and 9th graders this year and, believe it or not, I LOVE my job. Each day is different, I am granted an autonomy that isn't so widespread in other careers and I actually feel like I am doing something meaninful. Here are just a few of the reasons I love my job:
1. I know what
spacebagging is...do you?
2. This age group really cuts through a lot of bullshit that is probably prevalent in office settings.
3. When a kid remembers to say "thank you", "have a nice weekend", or genuinely ask "how are you", it makes my day.
4. It is the most rewarding feeling ever to see at the end of a year how much kids have learned in my class.
5. I am forced to not take myself too seriously....I teach junior high...need I say more?
What do you love about your job?