Then and now...

Then....I was told not to talk too much in class and to pay attention to the teacher.
Now.... I am telling my students not to talk too much and to pay more attention to me.

Then....I shrugged when someone told me education is important.
Now.... I watch as my students shrug when I tell them education is important.

Then.... I was told "wear your tie", "your skirt is too short", "tie up your hair".
Now....I am asking my students to tuck in their shirts.

Then....I tried my best to cheat during exams.
Now....I am trying my best not to let my students cheat in exams.

Then....I dreaded waking up at 5:30am to prepare for school.
Now.... I still dread waking up at 5:30am to prepare for school.

Then....I sat at the back of the class as I listened to the teacher.
Now....I stand in front of the class as I talk to the class.

Then....I walked out of school as an ignorant 18 year old.
Now....I step back into school as an educator, with more experience and more knowledge to offer....