I Switched Majors Because I Wasn’t Smart Enough to Become a Teacher

What makes me worthy of a degree in education?

Image by silviarita from Pixabay

My classmate whispers, “My boyfriend has been doing my homework. I don’t understand any of it.”

I laugh with relief. Thank God I’m not the only potential teacher who sucks at college.

I’ve dreamed of becoming a teacher since second grade, but I’m not cut out for this. Nobody told me college would be so hard. I aced my GED after dropping out of high school, but there are plenty of things the ‘good-enough diploma’ doesn’t teach you.

Like how to sit in a classroom all day and absorb knowledge, for starters. I don’t understand the rules of traditional school. I feel stupid most of the time. My teachers ramble on for hours as I stare into space, wondering why I thought I could actually get a degree.

I learned algebra and science for the GED, but I didn’t learn how to submit assignments on time. I don’t understand the importance of punctuality or regular attendance. I can’t sit in a desk for hours each day.

I’m failing, and my future students deserve better.

I’m not impressed by my grades when the semester ends, and neither is my school. I’m placed on warning status for financial aid, and the college…