There was a day when my mentor teacher was gone and a student had asked me to get something for them. I opened up the closet to get it. Another student came up to me and asked me another question. I told them they needed to wait until I have finished getting what I needed for the other student. Then the second student looked at me and "Being a teacher is hard." I nodded my head and said "Yes." And that is the truth. It sure is. It is not a profession you just stumble into or decide randomly I think I'll give teaching a shot. Teaching is something you deliberately choose, make a conscious decision to enter a career that is difficult, exhausting, and at times frustrating. It take A LOT of energy, patience, love and commitment. It tests every part of who are. But it is also exciting, joyful and deeply rewarding.
This week I had my first "teacher" moment when I was working a student. A student had come to me with a three digit addition paper he had to complete. He told me it was too hard and he couldn't do it. He asked me if he had to do it. I told him he did, to try his best. I had him start on problem number 1 and see if it he could do it. He came to me with the first row completed and I asked him to do the next row. He kept coming to me after finishing each row. Pretty soon he had finished the whole paper. I was so proud of him.
A teacher passed me the other day in the hall and asked "Are you are ready to quit yet?" I told him not yet and chuckled. So far I still love it and I hope it stays that way!