Those Who CAN Teach

Those of us who are in this world to educate-to care for-young children have have a special calling that has very little to do with the collection of expensive possessions, but has to a lot to do with the worth inside of heads and hearts. In fact, that's our domain: the heads and hearts of the next generation, the thought and feelings for the future.

               ~Fred Rogers~

I came very close to missing my calling as an educator. I went to college to become a doctor. I was challenged by the learning and passionate about science, but continued to wonder if it was the work that I was meant to do.

To pay for medical school, I worked at a daycare center, an in-home facility for autistic adolescents, and as a part time intern at the child psychiatric center of the University's Hospital. All three jobs in some way drew me to children.

Just weeks before my MCAT exams, one of my professors suggested that I not pursue something that I did not have pure passion for. The quote he shared that day is one I still hold with me: Real success is finding your lifework in the work that you love.

I knew that my lifework was with children. That weekend of my senior year in college, I changed my major to education. My love and passion for teaching and learning still burns strong. As I look back at my two decades in education, I feel so blessed that I had a mentor in my life that encouraged me to answer the call.

I teach because I can. What about you? What's your story? Is your lifework work you love?

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Comments

[Lawrence Cheok]

Hi Angela,

Great to hear that you also living your passion. You're one of those fortunate few who understood this point very early in your life, and acted in accordance to it.

I believe having a mentor (your professor) certainly did help a lot. Would you agree?

[Angela Maiers]

Lawrence,
I am one of the lucky ones-I was fortunate enough to have someone in my life to be honest and challenge me to live it more purposefully. I wish that every student(and every grown up)could be that blessed.

[Joyce Link]

Dear Angela,
Yes, my life work is work I love.That is why it was such a difficult decision to retire this year. Teaching is all I've ever know and each day when I walk into my classroom I am amazed that I feel so complete within its walls. How can I even think about not being here? Yet, the pull to spend these next years in companionship with my husband, doing whatever the Lord lays before us, is a draw I cannot resist. My heart has belonged to my "children" from sun up till sun down for over thirty years. My sweet man has graciously supported me in my calling to teach and so often taken a backseat to the needs of my students. It's time to love a new life's work - being a wife. And even as I write this, I know we are never done being teachers - in the grocery store, with our grandchildren, in a Bible study, with a young mom. We can't escape the compelling urge to show others the way. As I come to these last few months of my formal role in a classroom, I can only praise God for the precious gifts He's blessed me with all these years in the children I've grown to love. My prayer is that you will never quit teaching us old dogs new tricks because it benefits so many little ones! I'm thankful you had a mentor that steered you our way. May your passion always be fulfilling!
Sincerely,
Joyce Link

[Angela Maiers]

Dear Joyce,
Thank you for this comment. This touched my heart in so many ways. You will always be a teacher. Remember Pslam 23: talks about "paths of righteousness". You are just starting a different path. Your students and the students you will touch in the future are so blessed to have crossed your path. Your love and passion for teaching is an inspiration for every teacher. God Bless!

[LJ]

I took the long road to becoming an educator as I mistakenly thought success was measured by income for the first few years out of college. If you don't love what you do, it's not worth it.

[Jane]

Good blog.

[Dana Schon]

I was always waiting for a lightning bolt to strike me with insight regarding the career path intended for me. What I have come to realize is that my deepest passion is for learning and sharing with others how to learn and how to teach. Now, I cannot imagine a life outside of education.

[Angela Maiers]

>LJ, I believe we are "wealthy" when we are doing the work that was meant for our lives. I am thrilled for you and your students that you found your way!

>Dana, I second that! I can not imagine any other life than the one I am living now.