Janaye at Tales of Frogs and Cupcakes is having such a fun linky party! We all have some sort of story as to why we got into teaching. She is giving us a chance to share our stories. I really don't have one specific reason as to why I became a teacher. I grew up playing school and never imagined doing anything else. Even though I don't have that one instance that made me decide I wanted to teach, I do have several reasons why I teach and because of those reasons, I don't ever see myself doing anything else. I can't wait to read everyone else's "Why Teach?" stories! Go link up! =)
The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all.
~Leo Rosten
The quote above by Leo Rosten has become my life quote. In my life I do not want to just be happy. I want to matter, to be useful, and most importantly I want to make a difference. Over the past several years, I have realized the impact I can have on so many lives each day as a teacher. I believe that God calls us each to do something special with our lives and I truly believe that he has called me to work with children.
Each day I only have so many hours with my students and my goal is to make every hour, every minute I have with them count. To one student, I might be the only person who tells them each day that I believe in him/her. To another student I might be the only person to tell them that I am proud of him/her. And to another student I might be the only adult they can rely on. Even though some people might see that as a burden, a job that is much to difficult for such little pay, but I see it as a challenge, an incredibly exciting opportunity.
Will I always know that I have made a difference in a child’s life? No, but as long as each night I know that I have done by best I will be happy. I love this quote by Edmund Burke, “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.”
That little, tiny chance that I just might make a difference in someone's life is the reason that I want to be a teacher.
Thanks for sharing your story!
ReplyDeleteHodges Herald
I totally agree. God definitely has something to do with this job of mine! :)
ReplyDelete❀ Tammy
Forever in First
I love this linky!! Your story is very touching. Thanks for sharing it with us! :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure
Love your enthusiasm and it's true that you have to find something to do with your life that makes your presence felt. Even if only one child is touched by you being in their life (and I am sure you have had some) you have mattered. And that is why we teach.
ReplyDelete- Vicky
http://themadnessthatiskindergarten.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing your story. I agree and agree that the really great teachers are called from God. Your students are very blessed that your heard and followed your calling!
ReplyDelete:) Nicole
Tadpole Tidbits
www.mrscorbitt.blogspot.com
I love your story. Your children are blessed to have you as their teacher. I love your blog design...probably because you are a Smith! (So am I.)
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KindergartenLove.
Amazing story..Thank you
ReplyDeleteEven if you have received it already, I wanted to give you an award! Stop on by to check it out!
ReplyDeleteTaylor
BakingCraftingTeaching Oh My!
Totally agree with you--thanks for sharing the quotes and your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteJanaye
Tales of Frogs and Cupcakes
I completely agree with your sentiment! I come from a family full of ADD (my dad, 4 of his brothers, my brother, and 3 of my cousins) and I know how hard they all had it in school. Of course, until recently, ADD kids were 'smart, but didn't apply themselves'. When i think of how hard there schooling was I also think about people like Michael Phelps, whose mother put him inthe pool at 6 because he was too antsy for school. One person (Bob, his coach) said 'hey, this kid is good at this' and made sure to tell him that constantly. Do we hink Michael was he best student. Probably not. But did he sit home nights crying and feeling like amfailure for it? Probably not. Someone found something he was good at and supported him. Same with people like Shawn White, Pete Wentz, and Travie McCoy whove all turned Themselves into huge successes. That was my long way of saying, I completely agree. For some kids we may be the only source of a smile or a 'good job!' or a 'you have so much talent!' and I truly believe it's our job to find these things and nurture. :)
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