SHARE-ing my Valentine

After a particularly challenging day I found a very powerful email waiting in my inbox. My school counselor had sent an email and Valentine's document to the staff that truly touched my heart. In her wisdom, she asked the staff to remember and relive the moments in which they decided to become a teacher. I must admit it stirred my heart as well. Why am I here? What is it that drives me?

It's easy - it's the kids.

I remember my journey to being a teacher. I had grown up volunteering in my church and working with young children. I lived - and I mean truly LIVED - for the week of Bible School each summer. When I was old enough, I began teaching. I taught on Sundays and every summer. I planned, I decorated, I crafted, I just plain loved teaching kids. In addition, I volunteered to give clarinet lessons to younger players at school. My band director looked at me one day and said the sentence that would change my life, "Kim, have your ever thought about being a teacher? You're a natural."

So I did what any normal person would do. I entered Baylor majoring in Business. Teaching school was not for me - or so I thought. I remember how excited I was walking into class that August morning. Within 10 minutes I knew I was not a Business major. Not. At. All. Over the next few weeks I struggled with my future. Just what was I going to do? It all came to me one Sunday morning while teaching a group of Kindergartners. I knew in my heart I was being called into the field of education. I was born to teach. I changed my major to Education and set out to change the world.

But the story doesn't end there. I loved teaching. Still do. My staff knows the days I'm yearning to get away from the piles of paperwork because I start wandering the building and hanging out with the kiddos. As a teacher, I enjoyed leading staff development and supporting new teachers. I enjoy learning and decided to return to school to obtain my Masters. There I truly began to grow as a teacher and try so many new things. I loved being a leader on my campus and impacting more than just my classroom. I felt the pull to impact education in a larger setting.

I entered the world of educational administration and vowed I would never lose touch with the classroom. Six years have flown by and I love what I do. Some days are tough. Others tougher, but I'm doing what I love and the students give me so much fulfillment.

So, that's why I'm here. For the kids. To make life and education better for them.

Thank you Ms. V for bringing me back to my reality and passion today. Much, much needed.

Siempre.