As a substitute teacher in my hometown, I know many of the students, and most of the teachers. I have been in my old High School and Middle School, waving at teachers as they pass by in the halls. However, there is nothing like being a substitute in your old Elementary School.

Today I got up and ready for work, the only difference was that I walked my old familiar route up the hill, a whole five houses, to my Elementary School. Walking into this beautiful old building was like coming home. The day was full of hugs and catching up with familiar faces. I was with a fantastic 1st grade class all day. They looked at me like I was crazy when I told them that the teacher standing next to me was in fact My 1st Grade Teacher. "How old are you?", they asked us both. You can tell that they are thinking: pretty old. I feel so incredibly lucky that I am able to go home again, and that my Elementary School is such a wonderful place, for learning and lasting relationships.

In honor of this day spent back in Elementary School, please enjoy this picture of my brother and me on my first day of Fourth Grade, and my super fashionable pink slip-on sneakers.

Since starting substituting I have been in the classroom everyday. It have been great to meet new people and see the students faces light up when they learn something new.

I have known that I wanted to teach for a long time. However, it was always more hypothetical. Now that it has been a reality I feel like I have made the right choice. Every day has brought me so much joy.

I love my job.

I love that it is different everyday.

I love meeting new students.

I love the funny things that they say.

And most of all I love learning how to be a teacher. Watching experienced teachers work has been amazing. I have learned something every single time.

Today I sat in on a second grade class and the teacher was reading a variation of Cinderella. At the end of the book she reminds the students that the story is a Fairy Tale. She tells the girls that Prince Charming is not real and that he does not fall in love with you because you put on a pretty dress. Teaching students that Fairy Tales are fun to read but have no connection to real life is a valuable lesson that takes many people a very long time to learn. It was incredible to see that she is sculpting the minds of the future leaders in such a strong and truthful way. Because of her the students know that they can make their own way in the world. If you ever read this, Thank you for being amazing.