The decision to become a teacher wasn’t something that I grew up wanting to do. I played school with my older sister all the time, but I didn’t day dream about having my own classroom. I planned on being an actress or a pop star, one of which I actually tried doing for a while, but things don’t always go as we originally plan…
While attending NYU for undergrad, I was starting to realize that where I lived was really expensive and I needed a way to pay for things I wanted to do in the city. I ended up finding the perfect nannying gig – I adored the kids and loved working for the parents. All around, it was an easy enough job and I genuinely enjoyed it – plus, I made a pretty decent amount of money. I typically brought them home from school, had them do their homework, and played games with them. I remember picking them up from school, and thinking that the teachers there must have a really fun job.
These loafers by Sperry are some of my absolute favorites – they are unbelievably comfy and I wear them all over! I can’t recommend them enough. My blazer is J.Crew factory and I just love the oxford stripes on the cuffed sleeves – such a cute touch! My Apple Watch band is my new daily accessory – I got it off of Etsy, and I think really ups my game when it comes to outfits. My pink belt is J.Crew – a true favorite of mine! Unfortunately, J. Crew doesn’t sell this exact wash anymore, but this jean is the slim boyfriend fit that I’m wearing (I think it’s the closest comparison in wash!) The white short sleeve button down it also old J.Crew, but this is the closest shirt I could find that has a similar tuck. Bag is old Kate Spade, but this is the closest I found! Lipstick is my new staple 9-5 by Beauty Counter.
Then, even though I was a communications major (which I loved – hence, the blog…), I started to take some child psychology courses. I found them absolutely fascinating, and was starting to first develop my own thoughts and ideas about how kids learn. This was when the wheels first started turning but, I was graduating soon and what about the whole acting thing? I just kept thinking, “No, it is definitely too late for teaching...”
There was one particularly memorable day, crying at my kitchen counter, where I just realized I totally hated what I was doing. I didn’t enjoy acting anymore, and it had lost nearly all of its charm. I’m an absolute planner, I like knowing what I’m doing and having really specific goals. Acting wasn’t giving that to me, and I was starting to feel like teaching would. But, I got my degree in communications…so, again, it felt pretty pointless to pursue.
However, my Mom was the one who finally suggested applying for my masters in teaching. I was feeling like I had zero direction and didn’t know what decision was right or wrong. But, as I started the program, I realized I really was enjoying what I was learning. Then, once I finally got inside of a classroom back in 2017, things starting falling into place. Weirdly enough, working with the kids came pretty easily to me and I was really enjoying the days where I got to work with them.
Ultimately, I ended up having the absolute best student teaching experience, and graduated with my Masters in Elementary Education back in December (Although, I’m walking in May….!) I’m also rapidly approaching the point where I will have my own classroom – and I’m really excited about it! I can’t wait to have my own room of students to work with. The choice to teach was such a turning point for me, and it made me realize I can always change my mind. I can do whatever I want to do, even if I planned to do something else for practically my entire life. Despite my need for plans, plans change, which (sometimes) can be a really good thing.
Are you a teacher? Have you ever made a life decision similar to this?
