My Truth Monday - Path to Teaching

Hi friends! It's Monday so I am linking up with Denise at Sunny Days in Second Grade for her
"My Truth Monday" series......just a bunch of random question to help us get to know each other a little better. I love waiting each week just to see what she will ask! Ask her, she knows I stalk her to see when it's up. :)

So, here we go:

It's funny because usually when I talk to other teachers I hear that being a teacher is something they always wanted.... I've heard "I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was in kindergarten!" And, of course we all have those kiddos in our classes that we can just tell has all the right stuff to be teachers.

But, it wasn't like that for me at all. I did not want to be a teacher growing up. I wanted to be a lawyer. (I'm really good at arguing ;) I remember as far back as at least 3rd grade that I wanted to grow up to be a lawyer. I lived my life from age 8 to age 25 with that being my main goal. I did all the "right" things, did well in school, participated in mock trials, incessantly watched court shows (hahaha). I was a political science major in college. And, after college attended law school -- right on track. 

But, about 2 years into law school, 9/11 happened. I remember that being a pivotal point in my life. Like many, it caused me to reflect on my life and my family. I finished law school, but stayed at home with my young children for a few months. I needed a break after law school. :) I was mentally drained....go figure.... and it didn't feel joyous. I needed joy.

It only took a few months before I become bored staying at home. I decided to try subbing.....never imagining that I would fall in love with teaching. I just loved working with kids, their innocence, their hopefulness, their excitement for life..... it's what I needed. It made me happy, hopeful, and excited each day!

So, I went back to school (again) and got my teaching license. Each day I fell more and more in love with this profession. It became my way of giving back to our country and it also helped me concentrate on the good that happens every day. I continued on and got my Master's in Reading which is my true passion. Teaching is not only my beloved profession, it is my greatest hobby. How many people in this world get to work in a career that is also their hobby? I feel incredibly lucky! 

It's funny -- I truly believe that God lead to me to teaching. Even though I wanted something else, he knew what I was meant to do -- and lead me there. For that, I am eternally grateful. :)

What about you? What was YOUR path to teaching?