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When I tell people that I'm looking forward to a career in education I often get weird looks. I also receive the same questions, "Do you know how little teachers make?" and "Wouldn't you like to be an investment banker or something that is better, you know, financially?"

Well, the way I see it is that although many (in fact most) professional careers have a better pay range, none can be as rewarding as teaching. When it comes down to it, teachers shape the future of our world every single day when they go into the classroom; and that is real power. Teaching appeals to me as a "better" profession because it is just so rewarding.

Shaping the lives of children every single day can just never compare to trading stocks or designing buildings all day long. Plus, I always find it nice to think that without teachers we could NEVER have architects or investment bankers. I also know that I want to be a teacher because it's just plain fun. A job where you get to make crafts and go on field trips -- who could complain?

I want to become an educator because I know that I will be making a difference in the world. Just getting up every morning and going to work can make a difference in a child's life. I want a job that is high in rewards, not simply the financial type, but the kind that gives my life real meaning. Teaching can give me all that and more.