I remember helping my aunt grade her student's homework late at night. I also remember the room being very hot, she only had a fan and some windows open to bring in some air. She lived with my grandparents and didn't have a car of her own. She had been a teacher for seven years and she was stressed out. I , being an eleven year old didn't understand why she sacrificed her time and energy in something that didn't help her financially. That is when I asked " why are you a teacher?" And continued to say, "I think you should find another job". She just smiled and we remained in silence as we marked papers either with red markers or smiley face stamps. Seven years have passed and now I am the one trying to become a teacher. I understand why my aunt did so much for her kids and didn't receive the equal amount back for her efforts. She wasn't a teacher because of what she could gain or what she earned every two weeks, she taught because that was her passion. When people ask me why I want to become a teacher knowing that I won't be paid enough, I answer them and say "I want to make a difference." Sometimes I explain myself, sometimes I choose not to, because most people won't understand until they find their passion and know what they will do to have a positive impact some way or some how. "What will you make?" , many will ask. Instead of avoiding the question and letting them put me down, I will respond confidently and say "I will make a difference. I will do this by helping children see what they are really capable of, by setting high standards in the subjects I will teach and push them to reach them. To make big plans and goals and help them to be confident and ready to do anything and everything, being the best they can be to do just that. I will encourage them to stand up for their beliefs and for themselves. I will require students to come in after class for a few minutes because they have a C maybe even a B in my class, because I know their potential and know they can do better than that. I will guide them into becoming over achievers and do so much more, because in the end I know that they will lead the world we currently have led into disaster. Maybe one of the kids I teach will make that difference in the world or simple contributes to it in a helpful, positive way but if nobody teaches the child all these things, how will there be that difference everyone expects and hopes for but does nothing to obtain it? I will make a difference maybe in one child or several , and that is why I choose to teach and what I will make."
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