I'm Starting To Become a Grown-up

I put off getting my teaching credential for 2 years after I graduated from undergrad. There were a couple of reasons for this decision. One, I knew I was going to have my job in my favorite classroom for those two years (well, almost). And two, I just didn't feel like I was a responsible enough adult to have my own classroom.

I'm obviously mature.

Don't get me wrong, I am one of the most responsible people I know. I had the option of going with boyfriend tonight to his friend's house to watch them play music and be social. I didn't know what time we would be home, so I opted out in order to get to bed on time. Having your own classroom is a huge and scary responsibility.

Since I will be 26 in December, I decided I should probably get my credential so that I can be a real grown up with a real salary some day.

Once again, obviously mature.

Today, I embarked on the journey to become a teacher. We had our "base camp" today where we had an overview of the course and got to meet our mentor teachers. We have 3 placements, 12 weeks each during the course of the year. We are having a little snafu with where my first placement will be and I am having a miniature freak out since I am supposed to be there on Monday. But my other two mentor teachers seem incredibly nice. My favorite part of the day was the free Mexican food they fed us for lunch.

It was all local meat and vegetables. I love my town so much. The fact that this is really happening hasn't really hit me. Apparently we start applying for jobs in January. To say I am terrified is an understatement. I just have to believe in myself. I am a firm believer in positive energy. If we think we can do it, we can do it.

It is exactly the same situation as running. When times get hard, just keep pushing through and telling yourself you can do it. I have a lot of self doubt, but I always make it through my hard runs with positive thinking, so I know I can make it through this hard program the same way. I also know I will make a great teacher. I've already seen enormous growth in the students that I have taught. I just have to trust in myself. We all need to trust in ourselves.

I taught one of my students addition with carrying.  So that's something.

Teaching is a huge, scary grown up job, but I can't imagine doing anything else with my life. The reward of seeing a student's face light up when you enter the room and knowing that you have been a positive influence on them in some way is better than gift anyone would give me. Time for me to be a grown up.

What's your job? 

Do you love it?