Why I Chose To Become A Teacher

Introduction

Choosing a career is never a simple decision. It reflects a blend of one’s values, inspirations, personal experiences, and vision for the future. For me, the decision to become a teacher was not taken overnight. It was a journey shaped by my family background, the constant support I received from my loved ones, and the powerful motivation offered by some of my own teachers. Teaching, in my view, is not just a profession but a calling—an opportunity to influence lives, guide young minds, and contribute meaningfully to society. In this reflective journal, I will explore the reasons behind my decision to become a teacher, the influences that shaped my path, and the aspirations I carry forward.

Personal Journey

When I look back at my childhood, I can see that the seeds of teaching were planted early. My family environment was the first and most important influence. I grew up in a home where education was not only valued but lived. Everyone in my family was, in one way or another, connected to teaching. My parents, uncles, aunts, and even older cousins were teachers. As a child, I observed them prepare lessons, share stories about their students, and dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the profession. This constant exposure made me realize that teaching was not merely a job but a way of life.

I remember sitting with my mother in the evenings as she checked notebooks or prepared for her classes. At that age, I did not fully understand the technicalities of her work, but I felt the passion with which she approached her students. Similarly, listening to my father share his classroom experiences made me curious about what it meant to shape someone’s knowledge and character. Their dedication influenced me deeply, even before I had considered teaching as a career option.

School life also played a crucial role in shaping my decision. I was fortunate to have teachers who not only imparted knowledge but also instilled confidence in me. They celebrated small achievements and reminded me of my potential whenever I doubted myself. For example, in middle school, I once hesitated to participate in a debate competition, fearing embarrassment. It was my English teacher who encouraged me to take the step, guided me in preparation, and eventually celebrated my victory. That moment showed me the power of a teacher’s belief in a student. It also sparked a thought: if one teacher could change the way I saw myself, how many lives could I impact if I followed the same path?

Inspirations and Role Models

Apart from my family, certain teachers became powerful role models in my journey. Their teaching style, patience, and ability to connect with students inspired me to think of teaching as more than just delivering lessons.

One of my role models was my mathematics teacher in high school. Mathematics was never my strongest subject, and like many students, I often felt anxious about exams. However, my teacher’s calm approach, use of simple examples, and reassuring words turned my fear into interest. She never allowed me to feel less capable just because I struggled with numbers. Her method taught me that education is not about ranking students but about helping them grow according to their own pace.

Another figure who left a lasting impression on me was my history teacher. His classes were never confined to textbooks. He used storytelling, role-play, and even everyday analogies to make history come alive. For him, education was not limited to memorizing facts but about understanding life itself. His creativity and passion convinced me that teaching is an art as much as it is a science.

Together, these teachers gave me a blueprint of what I wanted to be: a mentor who motivates, a guide who simplifies learning, and an inspirer who makes students believe in themselves.

Family Influences and Support

The role of my family cannot be overstated. In many households, children face pressure to choose financially lucrative careers such as medicine, engineering, or business. In my case, teaching was celebrated and respected as a noble pursuit. Because nearly everyone in my family was involved in education, I never felt hesitant about choosing this profession. Instead, I was constantly encouraged and supported.

Family discussions often revolved around the challenges and joys of teaching. I grew up hearing stories of students who succeeded against odds, of classroom struggles, and of the satisfaction teachers felt when their pupils excelled. These conversations built in me a respect for the teaching profession from an early age. They also showed me that teaching is not without its difficulties—such as long working hours, dealing with diverse learners, and facing societal undervaluation. However, my family members always reminded me that the satisfaction of shaping lives outweighed all challenges.

The support extended beyond encouragement. My family guided me in developing essential skills such as patience, empathy, and communication. Whenever I expressed self-doubt, they reminded me of the strength of our teaching legacy. Knowing that I was walking a path that many before me had walked gave me both comfort and strength.

Values and Beliefs about Education

As I matured and reflected on my family’s influence and my own experiences, I began to form my own philosophy of education. For me, education is not only about academic knowledge but about holistic development—emotional, social, and ethical. I strongly believe that every child has potential, and it is the teacher’s responsibility to identify and nurture it.

In a world where inequalities persist, teaching becomes an act of social justice. Teachers can provide equal opportunities, break barriers, and give hope to children who might otherwise feel excluded. I believe in inclusivity and universal design for learning, where every student, regardless of ability, background, or challenges, has a fair chance to succeed.

My family’s legacy reinforced these values, and my teachers’ encouragement gave them practical shape. Together, they made me realize that teaching is not confined to classrooms but is a lifelong influence on students’ characters, values, and futures.

Challenges and Doubts

Despite the strong influences, I also had moments of doubt. Teaching is often considered underpaid compared to other professions. Many peers questioned my decision, asking why I would choose teaching when I could pursue more lucrative fields. At times, I worried whether I would be able to handle the responsibility of shaping young minds.

However, every time these doubts surfaced, my motivation from family and teachers helped me overcome them. I reminded myself of the joy I felt when I helped younger cousins with their studies or when I explained concepts to peers in study groups. These small experiences gave me confidence that I could manage the role. The support of my family was another strong anchor. They assured me that teaching, while challenging, was a fulfilling and respected career.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, I see myself not just as a classroom teacher but as a lifelong learner and mentor. I aspire to create a learning environment where students feel safe, respected, and motivated to explore. I want to combine traditional methods with modern technologies to make learning engaging and meaningful.

My vision also includes being more than just an instructor of subjects. I want to be a guide who teaches values such as kindness, resilience, and curiosity. I aspire to support students who may struggle academically or personally, just as my teachers once supported me. I also hope to inspire students to dream big and believe in themselves, because one encouraging word can sometimes change a child’s life trajectory.

On a larger scale, I want to contribute to society by preparing responsible and empathetic citizens. Teachers hold the power to shape the future by shaping minds. This responsibility excites me, rather than scares me.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my decision to become a teacher is the result of multiple influences woven together—my family’s legacy, their constant support, the inspiration of my own teachers, and my belief in the transformative power of education. Teaching is not merely a profession for me but a mission to impact lives positively, to carry forward the values I have inherited, and to serve as a source of motivation for future generations.

Reflecting on this journey reminds me that choosing to teach was not accidental. It was a natural outcome of my upbringing, my experiences, and my aspirations. While challenges may arise, I am confident that the support of my family, the lessons from my mentors, and my own passion will guide me through. I look forward to embracing this journey wholeheartedly, knowing that every day as a teacher will be an opportunity to touch lives, inspire minds, and build a better future.

Shivani Verma

SKV West Patel Nagar