For as long as I can remember, I have always loved children. ­­­­­It started in my childhood with my love of taking care of my baby dolls and playing teacher in my homemade classroom in my basement. My fascination of kids never faded and eventually led me to start babysitting at the age of 11, getting hired at a daycare at the age of 16, and eventually scoring the most amazing nannying job this summer. While working with kids can be an extremely tiring and demanding occupation, it is one of the most rewarding, and I’m continuously drawn back to this “profession” summer after summer.

My passion for kids was truly confirmed after scoring my first babysitting job, just a few houses down from me, in the fifth grade. I was so young; I had just graduated having a babysitter myself. I was paid five dollars an hour and the mother of the kids always stayed within an arm’s reach of me. Although most “sitters” would be uncomfortable by the mother’s presence and unmotivated by the low pay, I was unphased and excited for my new job. Eventually, I was trusted enough to be left home alone with the children and started booking more babysitting jobs.

By the time I was old enough to get hired for a “real” job, there was no question about where I wanted to apply. I immediately compiled a resume, including my past babysitting experiences, and applied at the local daycare. I landed the job as a daycare teacher and started working in the infant room instantly. I had more to juggle at the daycare than my past babysitting opportunities, but that did not scare me away. Now, I have worked at the daycare for three years, balanced a nannying job on top of that, and do not planning on leaving anytime soon.

My experience with kids has proved to me that I do not want to be a teacher in my future but, I know for sure that my work with children is not over. I plan on getting a degree in physical therapy and becoming a pediatric physical therapist. I look forward to treating children, providing a welcoming space for them, and feeling just as rewarded, if not more, than I have with my babysitting and daycare work.