When I grow up, I want to be...

I suppose I could be put into the category of "mid-life career change", except that: a) I hope at 33 I am not at "mid-life", and b) I never really had a career to change from.

After I graduated from high school (in December--'92), I had a baby (in April--'93). In June of that year, I moved with my parents from Indiana to Tennessee. And in trying to keep some sense of normalcy, I started college in the fall, like most college graduates.

I had wanted to be a doctor for quite some time, and my parents were supportive of that. Early in my second semester, my advisor called me in for a meeting. She was the instructor for the Medical Technology department. I cannot remember what happened, but the next thing I knew I was applying to the program which I ultimately got into.

That fall, I started out pretty strong. Long story short. I failed out the Spring semester and was knocked out of the program.

BUT! I was getting married! No worries right?

We all know that didn't quite work out like I had imagined.

Anyway, fast forward a new husband, two more children, and a need to make more money. Hey, we all do! Right, Sally?

I was working as a Merchandiser for American Greetings, a job -by the way- I miss to this day. But, at the time, I felt like I needed to make more money whilst I waited for the next big promotion.

I managed to land a job as a Substitute Food Service Associate. Fan-Cee. I worked at the high school and really loved it. The second year I worked, I went in at 7:30 (ish) and got off at 2:00. I was still working for AG, and it was taking it's toll on me. The interim position that was supposed to be only six weeks long (then I would go back to just a sub) and it went on until Spring Break.

At any rate, that year, my sons first grade teacher needed a volunteer to come in and tutor some kids. For an entire year, every Tuesday and Thursday, I would help three little boys with whatever they needed. Once I got started, I began to look forward to going. I had done the usual things at the school (and in the class) before, but I began to see things in a whole new light. The whole class would light up when I got there.

Meanwhile, over at the high school, if you don't think that the lunch ladies don't pay attention to the kids, I am here to tell you, they do. (Or maybe it was just me) Because I had been working for so long, Central Office declared I be made a "full-time" employee, and I got all the benefits that came with it. With my new status, I got to work the cash register. It became my mission to make someone's day daily. I realized the kids weren't that scary after all.

I was enjoying being around the kids so much, that I contemplated becoming a substitute teacher the next fall. After checking into it, I found out I had the credentials. Plus, Mrs. First Grade teacher started in on me on how I would be a good teacher. The boys loved working with me.

The day that made the whole idea concrete will forever be etched on my mind.

I was working with the boys. On that day, I was holding up sight words and they were to make sentences with them. Two of the boys made the typical sentences. When I got to the third, his word was 'they'.

"Yesterday, we went to they house."

Y'all.

I thought I was going to laugh myself silly. I normally wouldn't have laughed in front of the kids, but that was just BEYOND precious to me. When I retold the story to Mrs. First Grade Teacher, she was all, "Yeah. I get that everyday. It never gets old."

The next fall (summer-pfft) I applied to be a substitute teacher. After my first couple of days in the classroom (which was at the high school-ironically enough) I fell in LOVE. But, it was going to a fifth grade class at our elementary school that sealed my fate.

The next fall, I started back to school myself. Two weeks from today, I start my second year.

And to my friend Beverly, that I laughed at when were in college in '93? I am sorry that I said your major (Elementary Ed) was too easy. You got the last laugh, girl.

I have never worked so hard in my life. And I can't imagine doing anything else.

Anyone else changing careers?