My WHY

​It’s the beginning of the school year and many educators are revisiting their WHY.  WHY are we in this profession?  Seeing lots of activities on social media surrounding your WHY and even participating in an activity of my own during staff development, I decided to dedicate this blog to my WHY.
 
Twenty-plus years ago, I graduated from college with my undergraduate degree in Mass Communication.  I had big dreams of being a TV journalist.  My plan was to eventually be the main anchor on the nightly news.  I graduated on a Saturday and began working at a Houston news station the following Monday.  I worked my way up from working on the assignment desk to being an Associate Producer.
 
After getting married and expecting my first child, I did a little soul-searching.  I had grown a little frustrated with going to work each day spending my time writing about the latest shooting, stabbing, robbery, or whatever the crimes were for that day.  I felt that no one on this planet was better because Paula Patterson was on the earth.  I decided I was put here to make a difference in people’s lives and to help make this world a better place.  This realization led me to education.
 
I left journalism, went back to school to get my teacher’s certification, and entered a profession where I felt I could make a difference in the world.  I taught in the district in which I grew up.  I was thrilled to give back to my community.  My career has taken me to four different districts in the Houston area.  My location and position may have changed, by my charge, my commission, my assignment has not… my WHY is to change the world…. one child at a time!
 
What’s your WHY?