To say I was awkward growing up might be a bit of an understatement and I was bullied every day because of it. College was better, but I only lasted a year. I got married, had my children and now I'm Nama to 6 wonderful grandbabies.
Ten years ago, I started as a substitute teacher in an elementary school. One day I was called in to sub as a paraprofessional in the self-contained classroom. The moment I walked into that room I knew what I was supposed to be when I grew up. For the first time ever, I wasn't nervous about going into a new place, I didn't want to hide in a corner and hope no one would talk to me. Instead, I felt at home. I felt like I was needed. I felt as if I belonged. There wasn’t any of the anxiety that normally came over me when faced with strangers, there was only a sense of peace for the first time in a very long time.
That day began my journey to become a Special Education Teacher’s Assistant and soon a Special Education Teacher. That day I found my calling. I found the thing that I had been searching for all my life, a place to belong. I have loved every day as a TA working with special needs students, but I can’t help the feeling that I should be doing more. I don’t want to just help them any longer. I want to teach them, lead them, and help them accomplish their goals, and to become the amazing individuals I know they are.
That is my passion. To become the educator that changes lives, just like those students changed mine.
