Why I teach... I finished my first official year in my own classroom today. It has been quite the ride, but I have learned that if you stay focused on bettering the lives of your students (kids) you are doing your job right. I gave creative students focused on Communication/Mass Media and Photography, and those who haven't found their place a home this year. I expanded their views of their options! Look ma, I did the thing! Growing up in a small town kind of blinds you to what is all possible. I have so many awesome students doing amazing things. Some expanding their photography practice, one started a couple of businesses, one is getting certified in nursing, one is going to represent Nacogdoches at a national journalism convention, and some are figuring out that they have interests in areas they never thought about. I actually got high schoolers to watch the news!! I showed them a variety of media outlets, and taught them about checking sources and researching to be more knowledgeable about the world outside of our community. Also taught them a bit about business branding and design! I am excited to see them continue to grow! I am also excited to see my program grow. It will continue to be a lot of work, but my kiddos deserve to have a place for their talents to shine and voices to be heard. I just have to be patient and continue growing right along with them. I chose the right career path.💚 #TeachingYearOneIsDone #FirstYearTeacher #LookMaIMadeIt #HighSchoolTeacher #JournalismTeacher #YearbookAdviser #UILJournalismCoach #PhotographyTeacher (at Nacogdoches, Texas)