I never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up.

I finished high school and was

lost, not knowing the next step to take. I knew college wasn't right at that point. I felt if I went

then I wouldn't be dedicated enough or take it serious enough to be successful. So, I worked

waiting tables. I met my husband and had three wonderful children.

I have always done everything backwards. Had kids, bought a house, got married, and

now going back to school. I've had a lot of different jobs. I've been an Assistant Manager, at

a restaurant. I've worked in a Bank, as a teller/New Account Rep and I've done

Customer Service. I never felt like any of these were a career. I didn't love them and was

not passionate about them. They didn't make me feel like I was achieving anything. My kids got

older and I decided to try something different. I knew I needed a job that was flexible. My kids

were involved in sports and after school activities and I needed to be available for them. That’s

when I decided to be a Substitute Teacher for the School District.

I subbed for the district for three years. The last year and a half I took on long term

jobs. Last year I started the school year off, for twelve weeks teaching first grade. After

the twelve weeks was finished, I took another long-term assignment, at the same school, for

a second-grade class. This one was a much longer assignment. It was from November until the

end of school in June. These two assignments gave me the whole teaching experience. I created

lesson plans, I met with parents for conferences, I inputted grades, I had all the responsibilities of

a teacher. When the year was over, I finally knew the career I wanted, teaching. The growth I

had seen in the kids and the way their faces lit up when they achieve something made me feel

good knowing I had contributed to it.

For the first time I was sure about becoming a teacher. Before I could apply to a college, I had to

take in to consideration many things. I had to make sure it was going to work with my

family. After researching different local colleges, CWI seemed like the best fit. It was

close, affordable, and had the class hours I needed.

I feel good about the choice I have made to return to school. So far not only me, but my family

as well has had to make many adjustments. I have had to find a way to balance working full

time and going to school full time. I have had to sacrifice going to my kid's sports events

and finding time to study. I have managed to be able to get through the hurdles as of now. I

know there will be many more. I worry about future semesters with class time conflicts, harder

courses, and more studying. I know everything will work out because I am the type of person

that won't give up and I have tons of support.

As I continue on my academic journey I think my experience of having the actual role of

a teacher will help to contribute to me being a successful student and teacher, especially as I start

classes towards my degree. Experience is everything and I'm glad I got to experience that I did. I

will continue to work in the school system, as a Librarian as I go to school. My goal is to get

an Associate's degree form CWI and transfer to BSU and graduate with a teaching degree. I

hope to work in an Elementary school doing what I love, teaching. Most of all I want to be a

good example to my children and teach them that you can be anything you want to if you try

hard enough and it's never too late.