In perusing the SITS Girls blog about January posts, I stumbled upon two prompts that got my wheels-a-turning. They were both about jobs and asked bloggers to discuss their first dream job and the best job they ever had.
Is it possible for one to cover both questions?
A Little Kid’s Dream
As far back as Intermediate/Middle School, I remember wanting to be a teacher. Oh sure, I went through the Marine Biology phase, I mean who wouldn’t want to swim with dolphins. But I always went back to teaching.
You see teaching is in my blood, my dad is a high school teacher, my grandmother a substitute teacher, and my aunt an elementary teacher. My mom taught 4-H classes, and the list just goes on.
Top it off with the fact that I was blessed with several amazing teachers throughout my academia career and it just kind of sealed the deal.
Making a Dream Reality
I spent most of middle school, high school, and college babysitting or being a nanny, by choice and loved every minute of it. Working with kids became a passion. The problem was I just couldn’t narrow down the capacity in which I wanted to fulfill this dream.
After growing up on a farm, I have a strong appreciation for all things in agriculture. I am an avid reader and after a few summers as a paraprofessional working with children with autism, I was completely torn.
Always a farm girl at heart.
So, I did what anyone would do. I received a dual degree in Elementary and Special Education focusing on Middle School Reading / Language Arts. Then went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Agriculture Education. All so that I could combine everything I loved into one, who wouldn’t do that right?
This leads me to The Best Job Ever…
Greatest Job
…being a mom.
Whoa! Not what you thought I was going to say huh?!?!?
After six years teaching middle school Language Arts and assisting with various agriculture interest groups, my passion had changed. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love teaching, I love working with kids, I still have a passion for agriculture, and working with children with disabilities but I am able to do all that as MOM.
Drenched after exploring a nearby orchard in the rain.
As mom, I’ve delved into the preschool world so that I can home school my oldest (B). I’ve learned a ton about Physical and Speech Therapy due to the delays and other issues that the twins have had, which has also allowed me to begin working with other preschool aged kiddos as an Early Childhood Special Educator. I now am also able to help teach Sunday School.
Miss B mastering the Letter N.
So not only do I have the greatest job ever, being mom, but I am also able to continue doing all the things I love with the people I love most.
Being mom, has allowed me to combine all of my earlier passions while living out my dream. It also enables me to get my girls involved in a variety of activities that we can enjoy together.
Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too!?!?
I’d love to hear about your dream job, the best job you’ve ever had, or how they are the same!
Warmest Wishes,
Dani
Kelly @RaisingSamuels says
January 27, 2016 at 4:28 pmDani, what an awesome post! Being a Mom is literally the best job; I agree! I wanted to be a teacher growing up, and at the last minute I changed my major to Business. When my oldest was born, my husband and I decided I would stay home and it was three years before we would even know the word homeschool. Now, a few years later I am teaching…my sons 🙂 Thanks for sharing your story with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you join the party again this Sunday 🙂
Dani Wagner says
January 27, 2016 at 5:16 pmKelly, thank you so much! It’s amazing how much our plans can change when littles ones come into the mix. I absolutely love your link party, thanks for having me!