My Salary Earning Job

When I was a junior in high school, I decided what I wanted to be when I grew up. I went to college and graduated in 3 1/2 years. (yes, I'm bragging.) I taught 2nd grade last year, it was hard, but I made it through and decided to switch to what my degree is in and teach special education.

Oh...my...gosh...

Why didn't my professors warn me? Why didn't they tell me how absolutely hard it would be? I'm sure they did but I obviously WASN'T listening, all I could think about was changing the world and saving every child - which was really my life goal when I graduated :) But now, I dream about special education. Nightmares, I should say nightmares - I have nightmares about special education. I toss and turn all night while special education jargon and random strategies/methods fly through my head. I have nightmares that parents are mad at me (which they are when I'm awake), I see teachers saying rude things to me (which they have) and I dream that I have no data on any of my kiddos (this, thankfully is NOT true!) Yes, my dream profession has become a nightmare.

Ok, now for the bright side. I love working and playing with kids. They are cute and hilarious, and they make me smile. They love to laugh, play, and do anything fun. I do have wonderful co-workers, mentors, and bosses who are an amazing support system. I have made wonderful friends within my job. It is very rewarding to watch a child progress and catch on to something you've worked on for weeks. I love having the oppportunity to work with so many wonderful people and so many amazing children.

But seriously...why didn't someone smack me and say, "Tiffanie, it's going to be REALLY hard! You might REALLY hate your job!"