I lined up my dolls to teach them to read before I even knew how to read, I spent my summers helping teachers decorate their classrooms, volunteered to help grade papers after school and I haven’t left the classroom since.

My most memorable experience is a montage of events. Walking out my gate to see high schoolers eager to visit me, getting a ticket to a high school graduation, being invited and attending a past student’s baby shower. Creating connections that stretch far beyond their sixth grade year with me is the biggest honor.

I’d invest more in my own education. I’d pay off my student loan for my masters and start my doctorate to get a step closer to my ultimate goal of teaching in a credential program.