“Did you really go to Harvard?” “Why would you choose to work in a school?” “Why didn’t you do something that would make you more money?”
Ever since I graduated from Harvard, I’ve answered all these questions and more from students, their families, staff, and random strangers. When I first started to hear these questions, I felt guilty. I felt as though I wasn’t living up to something. I didn’t know what that “something” was, but felt like I wasn’t living up to it. I mean, since so many people had questions about it, didn’t that mean there might be some truth behind their questions? Most of my college friends went into business, tech, medicine, or law right out of college. Even those that did go into education didn’t stay in it longer than a few years. All signs kept pointing to this idea that I wasn’t on the right path.
Over time, I realized that I was placing too much importance on the wrong signs. I didn’t focus enough on the application for Teach for America that I finished in a few hours, while I couldn’t get myself to complete even one for investment banking. I didn’t place enough value in the joy I felt as I taught my students something they had never heard of before. I didn’t own my desire to find a sense of meaning and fulfillment in the work I do.
People are always going to ask questions, but the questions they ask say more about our society than it does about them or me. Unfortunately, we live in a society that doesn’t value education as it does other professions. In my case, people associate a Harvard degree with a high value and sometimes can’t make sense of it being attached to education.
I don’t think I’m sacrificing anything by being an educator. I love what I do and find a deep sense of fulfillment with my job on a daily basis. I feel my place in the world is helping students become better versions of themselves. Growing up, I never imagined I’d become an educator, but now I am proud to say that’s at the core of who I am.
My message to you:
You’re going to be faced with a lot of options for what you want to do. Never let anybody, anything, or any thought keep you from it. If it’s something you’re passionate about, then go for it. Only you knows what’s best for you.
