Teaching Passion

At age 18, I had this dream of becoming a clinical psychologist. We plan and the universe decides. Many drastic changes happened in my life during that time. Three years later I was enrolling in the education program. I did not know back then all the satisfactions the teaching profession would bring to my life. No one in my family agreed with my decision. Some said that teachers never get rich, which is true. Some others would remind me how hard is to deal with young people these days. In the end I had it my way and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

It has been fifteen years since that summer when I finally received my diploma. I tried elementary school but, as much I have always liked small kids, that was not my place. From there I went to middle school, at a charter school specialized in arts and music. Those were wonderful, state of the art, extremely sensible students. I truly enjoyed my time there, among violins and piano lessons settled on the first floor and abstract painting and sculptures in the basement. The building itself was a masterpiece and delight to walk through every morning. By the end of that year though, I still wanted to try something else. How would it be to work with older students, high school students dreaming about the future? So, to the high school scenario I went—not knowing what to expect but fully prepared and excited.

How could I explain that first day? Life always sends us to the exact place where we are needed, where the best lessons will be learned. I was there, a brand new and young teacher, the new member of this high-risk high school located in the middle of one of the biggest and most dangerous projects of a tiny island. At least this was the perception of the general public, those who would not dare to set foot on it.

I have discovered over time, that is more what people talk and exaggerate than what it really is. If we don't search for the truth we cannot find it. Minds have been overpopulated with too many stereotypes and too much prejudice. It is not different to the opinion most people have about public school and high schools students.

I spent three successful years there. I learned from my students as much as they learned from me. We shared wonderful moments as well as tragic ones. They would take care of me and I would care for them. They became my family. They helped me discover where my true passion was and still is. I developed patience, unconditional love, the ability to listen and use my own memories as a student to understand them.

Been a teacher is one of the toughest professions in the world.