SIMPLY ELEVATE SUMMER 2015 Summer 2015 | Page 43

a teacher? Miss Fast: I wanted to go into nursing. I thought being a teacher would be the worst job ever. Through volunteering in nursing fields, I discovered nursing wasn’t for me. I ended up doing some volunteer work in a school setting and discovered I loved it. Nyla: Anything you want to say about teaching? This magazine reaches a lot of people! Miss Fast: I absolutely love my job. There are days though where it’s tough and I wake up thinking, “Why am I doing this again?” but then I have moments, like this one with students, where I see that I’m making an impact. As a teacher my role doesn’t stop at 3:30pm or in summertime. Students are still watching me. Being a role model is something I’m aware of. If I wouldn’t want my students doing it, then I shouldn’t either. I also love the relationships formed in the classroom. I think of my students as my own kids. I genuinely care for them and want what’s best for them. I want them to enjoy being in my classroom and make them feel comfortable. Nyla: That kind of atmosphere makes them more receptive to learning. You are a single parent, to Colton. How old is he? Miss Fast: Twelve! Parenting and teaching can influence each other. Being a mom to a child with a disability has taught me patience, www.simplyelevate.com 43