I was teaching outdoor education when I was given the opportunity to train in environmental ed programs and facilitation. I went for it (yay learning!), but I admittedly wasn't bought into the idea that it could be as engaging as white water paddling and climbing ropes courses. I'm happy to say I was wrong and that the joy and learning I facilitated and witnessed that day led me (on a very roundabout journey) to pursue my masters degree in teaching. I really never thought a classroom was for me, but once I pushed myself into one (nature preschool) and then another (7th-8th grade at a Private school for students with learning differences), I realized that joy, and excitement, and discovery can be just as powerful (and sometimes even more so) in our classrooms as they are on the river.

I really just love working with kids. I find young people easier to talk with than adults and am constantly blown away by their inquiries, boldness, humor, intelligence, and sense of who they are. To me, teaching is about learning alongside my students, both about each other and the content. Sometimes I think there are easier, less exhausting, less frustrating things I could be doing. There are certainly things I could be doing where my failures would be much less public I'm sure I will continue to think those things a lot. For now, I am grateful that the moments of joy tend to outweigh the ones of frustration. At every school and camp I have worked at, I have been blown away by the people I work with. I think the professionals in our schools, camps, outdoor ed centers, extra curriculars, etc. are some of the kindest, most intelligent, most creative, most hardworking people out there. Every time I teach, I think about the people I have learned from who I try to emulate. I am so impressed by the dedication and work ethic of so many education professionals I have learned from and taught alongside. I am excited to continue in a profession where I can always be learning from and problem solving with the people around me

I heard someone say about acting once that you really shouldn't get into it unless you can't imagine yourself doing something else because it is going to be HARD and everyone is going to feel the right to judge you even though they have no sense of what it takes. I'm no performer, but these ideas have resonated with me when I think about teaching as well. People are quick to judge and to tell you how to do your job and it can weigh on you. I was lucky to be back in my outdoor ed community this summer where friends and coworkers respect teaching and are proud of me for pursuing a career I enjoy (and that they believe I will be good at it). It's nice to have that boost when all the judgement starts to rain down. But at the end of the day, I can't imagine  doing anything else right now. And thankfully, that is all that matters.