Working with Young Minds

The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that if I were to switch to a different career, I would most likely pick up where I left off as a Schoolteacher.

Back in June 2001, I had just moved to New Jersey from New York and my lack of confidence in pursuing a career in journalism in the U.S. (despite an offer to work as an editor at a publishing company) made me take a detour towards teaching Art to young kids in a summer camp. After that stint ended, a friend offered me a part-time job as a substitute teacher in an early learning center.  The pay wasn't great but both experiences are, by far, the most memorable, inspiring, and fun jobs I have ever had.  I had to wake up at 5:30 A.M. every day and was busy on most school week evenings preparing lesson plans and activities for the kids, but it was worth it.

Recently, a friend hinted at taking a leap of faith into a new career path that will involve working on projects with elementary and high school students.  At first, I instinctively shrugged the idea off as the practical side of me blurted out reasons like "not the right time" and "need financial stability" (honestly, the only reason I haven't given up my current job is because it's a fantastic cash cow).  But, it's been almost a week since she planted the idea in my head.  Now, it has taken root and started to grow some leaves.  I realized that my lovely memories of being a schoolteacher are spurring the idea's growth.  Even until now, whenever I get the chance to work or just interact with young minds, I am invigorated and enlightened.  I always learn something new.

So, why not?  The pros outweigh the cons:

• Kids are creative right from the get-go.
• They immediately believe in possibilities.
• They are always excited.
• They are willing to try.
• They see the world as a magical place.
• They are keen observers, which gives them amazing wit.
• They're actually very wise.
• They are very understanding.
• Their perceptiveness makes them quite smart.
• They will play with any other kid even without knowing his/her name or background.
• They don't know how to be sarcastic.  
• Their heart is always in the right place.
• When given the opportunity, they can and will do their best.
• They can be very focused (we adults aren't very good at staying focused because we think about way too many things).
• They ask a lot of questions (you'd think this is exhausting but, I'd rather be in a roomful of curious kids than with grown-ups who think they already know everything).
• They want to learn.
• They can laugh at themselves.
• They are being silly on purpose.
• They're not pretentious.
• They can be cheered up by the simplest thing, like a hug.
• They like being rewarded with gold star stickers or candies.
• They wear their heart on their sleeve.
• They wake up with a song in their heart.

I have now made myself so very excited :-)  But, at this point, I still don't have all the details yet about this new possible career option that my friend had mentioned.  Truth be told, another teaching opportunity had also come up recently.  It's becoming quite clear to me what I should do next.  But when?  Well, we'll see.  I hope I will find out very soon.


Images: "Stoplight" photo was taken by my hubby.  The other is by me, taken during "Science Week" at my son's school earlier this year.