What inspired you to be a teacher? Blogging Challenge Day 8

I'm once again linking up with Michelle over at Bigtime Literacy for her blogging challenge.  I'm starting out the day's challenge with a few inspirational quotes...

Day 8: How did you end up in education?  Who or what inspired you?

Let me start by saying, I have many family members down the line, including my mother, aunts, uncles and cousins, that are either retired from or still in educational environments.  I say “educational environments” because not all of them were necessarily classroom teachers, but they were in school settings.  They would tell wonderful stories associated with teaching and working in schools when I was growing up.  Visiting my mother in her school and seeing all of the fun happenings going on was such a delight for me.  

In late grade school, as well as high school, I  started babysitting and really enjoyed being around younger kids.   In high school, I started envisioning myself becoming a teacher because I felt I could make a difference with others.  Because my parents have always been supportive of my dreams and passion for things, they encouraged me to “go with my gut” in view of the fact that teaching is a wonderful occupation. 

A handful of my teachers were so energetic, I could feel their excitement right when I entered their rooms.  They were inspiring and believed in every one of their students, including me.  I really enjoyed attending the majority of my classes, even if I didn’t love some of the subjects being taught.  Those teachers had an impact on me that has been life lasting.  Back in high school, I knew once I went on to college, I would pursue a teaching career.

In college during the summers, I became a camp counselor at various places, but one particular place I will always remember.  It was a camp for special needs children.  They made my heart melt every day.  Not all, but most of the campers could only "speak" with smiles and gestures.  However, I knew I was already making a difference when their faces would light up when seeing me.  I loved interacting with them and hearing what they had to say when they were able to speak.  This only magnified my inkling that I’d be very happy as a teacher.  

Once I graduated and became a school teacher, I dedicated myself to being the best I could be.  I enjoy learning all I can to make my room a better place for students to learn.  I make sure to welcome each and every student I encounter with eye contact and a special hello.  I listen to what they have to say and encourage them to be thinkers.  It's only fair, since my teachers did that for me.  

I love to see former students when they come back for a visit to share stories of what they remember in my class.  Sometimes I don’t recall the particular events they speak of, but I’m glad they fondly remember their time with me. 

Overall, I wake up wanting to jump out of bed and start my day.  I know I get to make a difference in the world each day I go to school.  Students are my inspiration.  I’ll never regret my choice of choosing to be a teacher.  

Enjoy the day!