Why did you choose to become a teacher?

Embracing the Challenge: Understanding the Teacher's Choice

Now Rusty, my Labrador Retriever and loyal sidekick, may look at me sideways when I tell him that teaching is more than a job; it's a vocation derived from a deep, impenetrable yearning within the soul. Yes, I actually had this conversation with my dog too! But really, the complexity of this choice is it's too simplistic to trim it down to a single ‘why’. It’s layered, like a lasagna. And who doesn't love a good lasagna?

Pulling Back the Velvet Curtain on the Passion

Right off the bat, one of the main reasons I chose to pursue teaching is the passion I have for my subject. Having a profound love for what you’re teaching has to be like the secret ingredient in the special sauce; it gives the profession its distinct flavour. This love, channeled in the right direction, can foster an environment conducive for learning. It's like tuning into your favourite radio station and suddenly everything makes sense. You know what I'm talking about - that feeling when your favourite song comes on. And the best part? There are no commercial breaks.

Shaping the World: One Student at a Time

The second reason that made me lean towards teaching is the direct impact we have on students. As a teacher, you have the front row seat to the spectacular sundance of growth and development. Now, I won't lie, despite the gratifying moments, it's not always smooth sailing. On some days, it can be tumultuous, and you feel like you are caught in a maelstrom. But the vision of a brighter future - that absolutely gorgeous blue sky after the storm keeps your spirit resilient. It's like Rusty sitting by the window, rain pouring outside, and his tail wagging in anticipation of a sunny day for a beach run.

A Blink into the Past: The Story of Young Theo

As promised, here was the time when I took a chance to change my life. I call it, ‘the big leap’. I had finished my studies, and commercial jobs were abundant. However, I had always had a soft spot for teaching. As a kid, I used to play 'school' with my friends, and I was always the 'teacher'. Fast-forward a few decades, and here I am, blogging about making that very dream my reality. Let’s just say, some childhood games do come to life.

The Endless Circle of Learning

Being a teacher doesn't mean that I play only a role of transferring knowledge, but in this constant chain of teaching and learning, I find myself learning and evolving every day. Unchain this whole concept of the teacher being a vessel of knowledge, and you will discover that they are actually students again on a path of self-discovery and learning. This is powerful because every day in teaching is different; every day is a new opportunity to learn something new. And as per my experience, if Rusty could talk, he would tell you that his hooman can learn new tricks too!

Finding Fulfillment in Everyday Accomplishments

Another aspect of teaching that drew me was the sense of accomplishment. Now let's be clear, this ain't about bloviating over self-importance. No, sire! It's about hitting the pillow at night and knowing that in some tiny corner of the world, you made a difference. And that difference didn't necessarily need to be mainstream like discovering a fancy formula; it could simply be fostering a positive learning environment where a student felt heard, valued and understood.

The Blossoming of Unmeasurable Bonds

Last but not least, the relationships and bonds that you form as a teacher are priceless. The moments of collaboration with students and the invaluable experiences shared make the not-so-cool parts of the job fade into insignificance. Let's face it; these lovely connections that form could make any Hallmark card seem bland! And when it's all said and done, as a teacher, I can sit back - with Rusty at my side, of course, possibly demanding belly scratches - and count the numerous ways in which I have bloomed into the person I have always aspired to be.

In conclusion, teaching is not just another job. It's a rollercoaster of a journey where you influence and inspire, get inspired, create lasting memories, and leave footprints on the sands of time. And boy, do I love rollercoasters! Or at least Rusty does, I mean, have you seen him running around the yard chasing his tail? Pure exhilaration, I tell ya!