I am proud to be a part of a group of individuals who do what they do for the love of the job and the student, not for the desire of the money.

I am proud to be part of a profession where our daily ’employees’ are in our care for one year. Yet five, ten, even twenty years later they come back, searching specifically for you in hopes to be able to say, “Thank you.”

I am proud to have colleagues who inspire me every day to be a better teacher.

I am proud to be in a position where at times I am a mentor for those who need it, a shoulder to cry on when no one else will listen, or a much needed positive authority figure to help guide the way.

I am proud to be a part of a job that doesn’t feel like a job. Where every day, no matter how I am feeling,  I have students that are happy to see me and love that I am there.

I am proud to be in a profession where, if I am absent, I am genuinely missed by the people who I am serving. It always feels good to have students say, “We missed you.”

I am proud to be part of something nobody can possibly understand until they set foot in a classroom and teach. No theory, textbook or study can truly define what teachers do each day to make an impact.

I am proud that I get to come alongside parents every day knowing they trust me with their most precious and valuable gift.

I am proud to be a part of the profession that creates all other professions.

I am proud to be on this journey with my fellow teachers because together we have the priceless opportunity to impact, influence and inspire the future of our world.

Something called LOVE

By Nguyen Hanh Tran