Would you rather have all of the money you want, or do what you truly love and just get by? I am lucky to have two parents that have shown me to not be afraid of taking risks. They've shown me that money isn't everything, and that it's important to have passion in what you do. My dad started off at an insurance company as an underwriter. Over the years, he made his way up to being the head of the Marketing Department and Vice President of that same company. He climbed the business ladder and had finally achieved what most people would define as success. But was he happy? No. He knew what he wanted to be. He had the same dream that he had since he was in high school--he wanted to be a photographer. But to risk it all, to quit his job and start out new, that is a hard decision to face. He knew if he stayed, he would be able to support his family financially, have benefits, and job security, but he didn't enjoy his life. If he quit, he would be happy, but there would be no guarantee of success. He would lose his benefits and his pretty pay check. He did what most people wouldn't. He risked it all to follow his dream. 17 years later, he continues to do what he loves every single day. Winning awards from organizations such as The Hour Detroit and The Knot Best of Weddings, he is constantly reassured that this is his true path and is doing what he was always meant to do. The passion inside of him never died. Sure, life isn't as easy as it used to be, but to me, he has achieved true success--following his dream. My mom is no different. For many years, she helped my dad realize his dream and played such a big part in creating this business that is so established today. About a year ago, she finally decided to follow her own dream. She wanted to open a candy store that sold organic candy, old time favorites, and bulk candy. However, retail is a hard industry to break in to. I have heard so many people tell her that she won't make it. Instead of letting that bring her down, she kept going. She is a true risk-taker. After months of hard work, that dream that seemed so far our of reach will come true. The Grand Opening of her candy boutique is in two weeks, and I couldn't be more proud of her. I know it will be a success. I am fortunate enough to have parents that value what truly matters in life. They have played such a big role in my own life decisions, and I am so thankful to have learned from them. Ever since I could remember, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I played school almost every single day. When I got to college, selecting my major was a no-brainer. As I continued on this path, I was exposed to so much negative information about the field of teaching that made me start to doubt myself. The politics, the low salary, the shortage of jobs... Is it worth it? I went back and forth for quite a while. I knew I was smart enough and capable enough to pursue any career I wanted, so why was I settling? After much thought, I realized that changing my major just to make more money would be the true settling. I was not going to change my path and forget my dream just because I was afraid. I learned from my dad's initial mistake, and both of my parents' willingness to take risks. I knew that I had to continue to pursue my dream, because what good is life if you don't spend it doing what you love? Look back to that childhood dream you had of "what you wanted to be when you grew up." What did you want to be before someone told you that you would never make it, or never be successful? Is that what you are doing now? We only have one life to live. When all is said and done, what is more important? How will you wish you spent your life? I choose passion.
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Wow, it's been quite a while since I've been on here.
As many of you know, this year I started my student teaching year. (The reason why I haven't even had time to sleep let alone write on my blog!) Before the school year began, I had so many questions, doubts, reservations and fears. What if I find out teaching just isn't for me? What if I don't get along with my mentor teacher? What if the kids don't like me? The first day of school for the district that I am teaching in was August 28th. On that first day of school, once I saw those fifth grade faces, all of my questions were answered. I've never felt more like myself and more at home than I do right now. Every single day, those students make me laugh. They make me think and they challenge me as both a teacher and a learner. They drive me to be the best version of myself. They make me look forward to each 8 hour school day, and it doesn't even bother me (that much) that i'm not getting paid! I am so thankful to finally feel like myself for the first time in a long time. I am finally excited for my future. |