One thing I do not write about often is my love for teaching and how I stumbled into the profession. My childhood dream was to be a lawyer. I knew I was good at arguing my point and persuading others, but when I started to analyze the reality of paying for undergrad and law school, I talked myself out of that dream. I headed to a Christian college for my first year of education because I knew college was my next step, and I ended up selecting Elementary Education for my degree plan.

Some decisions we make; some decision make us.

Going into education wasn’t a default; it was a decision that would shape me into the person I did not know I was becoming. My desire for becoming a lawyer was rooted in wanting to help the overlooked and advocate for those in need. It turns out that good teachers have the same desire. They advocate and offer support for the variety of needs within a community of scholars. Teachers have to be good at establishing a clear point and persuading the unmotivated that learning is rewarding. The classroom is often a social courtroom in need of a well-established set of boundaries.

Two years ago, I left the classroom, but I did not abandon relationships with my students. Teaching is not solely limited to schools and classrooms. Authentic teaching bleeds into our relationships because what people really care about is connection. People do not care about how much you know until they know how much you care. I have experienced this for years. Respect is born when people feel honored and seen.

When I was invited to deliver the keynote for a few of my students, I was deeply honored. Though I had not taught them beyond tenth grade English, our hearts remained knit together. As we finished the graduation ceremony and their caps flew to the sky, my heart swelled with pride for the opportunity to be their teacher and witness the dreams and plans that continue to unfold. Yes, I had imparted a little wisdom to them, but they also taught me many lessons over the years. Teaching goes beyond the classroom; it is a deep connection that can last a lifetime.

Some decisions we make; some decision make us. I am not sure I can discern the difference, but I am thankful for the opportunities to be better and different as a result of decisions. While I no longer fill the role as a classroom teacher, I understand that using my influence is how teaching goes beyond the classroom. We all have the opportunity to serve and love others.

Teaching is a work of heart. Try to persuade me otherwise!

In case you didn’t know, I do offer College Essay Writing Coaching for rising high school seniors. You can learn more about that here.