For me, entering the field of education was something I was gradually drawn towards rather than a lifelong goal. My entire life I've naturally gravitated towards leadership positions. All throughout high school and college, I jumped at any chance I could to be a guide to both younger students and my own peers.

My first introduction to teaching was my junior year of high school when I decided to be a teaching assistant in a U.S. History classroom, secretly hoping that it would allow me to spend a bit more time with my high school boyfriend, who "just happened" to be in the class (at least that's what I told my mom). At one point towards the end of the semester, as I was helping a student edit her thesis statement, the teacher pulled me aside and asked me what I was considering studying in college. When I answered that I was leaning towards something in Advertising, she shook her head and told me that she saw an incredible teacher in me, and advised that I consider changing my tune. I was surprised at first that she thought highly enough of my help in the classroom to suggest making a career out of it, but as I reflected on my year, I realized just how much I loved what I was doing in there every day.

As I completed high school and entered my college career, her words stuck with me. Halfway through my first semester at Michigan State University I changed my major and started down the exciting and rewarding path towards becoming a teacher. Graduating in 2019 with a degree in Secondary Social Studies Education, I was confident that I'd chosen the right path. Now that I've completed my year-long internship teaching 10th grade U.S. History and Sociology, I feel more prepared than ever to make my goal a reality. Looking back, I am unbelievably thankful that my love-struck high school self stumbled blindly into what would grow into my greatest passion. As I like to say, the relationship didn't work out, but the career path sure did!