Remember Why You Started.

My wife recently attended a pretty incredible arts/crafts workshop called the Makers Summit. It focused on inspiring creativity, and teaching the crafts/methods that can enable you to make it happen.  Listening to her discuss some of the themes has been inspirational, but what stuck out to me the most was the following mantra, "Remember Why You Started."
Honestly, I believe this is something we should keep in mind in anything that we pursue, but it is especially true for teaching.

So, why did you want to be a teacher?

As for me, I starting wanting to teach at age 16.  I was attracted to the energy of  the profession because most of my great teachers seemed to enjoy themselves, and (certainly) never seemed bored - actually, they seemed engaged and imaginative.  These teachers also seemed to enjoy being with their students.  They genuinely liked us!  It was pretty amazing to witness, and it left a mark on me.
But I also just loved history (not just political history, but any history),  especially all of the mystery and curiosity that came with it. 
That appeal stuck with me, and I pursued it through college, and nothing deterred me.  My experience in the School of Education at UNCG both challenged (and confirmed) my beliefs and ambitions towards teaching.
Once I started teaching, I was challenged by older teachers who resented my unorthodox methods in the classroom.  I was loud, in your face, and hungry to be great.  I was also uncompromising, ideological, and truly loved all of the teenage students that I was working with daily.  The "establishment teachers" were not welcoming, (and I was young and brash) and that time remains the most challenging part of my career. But I learned a lot about myself, and it sharpened my focus on why I wanted to be a teacher in the first place.

Luckily, I was surrounded by some other, amazing people who were able to remind me of why I started in the first place.  I started teaching because I enjoyed the spirit and energy of teenagers, wanted to make a difference in people's lives, and believed that studying history inspires us to be great. 

I still believe all of it. 
How about you?  Why did you start?