Meg Lyons went to college and earned two associates degrees, started out in the business field and did lots of office work. But something was missing. She just couldn’t figure out why she was not happy.

Then she taught a Sunday School class and found what she wanted to do. She enjoyed her class so much she finally knew what she wanted to do and that was teaching. Now she is an intern at Stafford Elementary doing her student teaching.

Meg will graduate on May 13th with a bachelors degree in interdisciplinary studies from A & M Commerce. Meg explained, “I went to school one class a semester. It has taken me 8-10 years so far to finish my education for now. I plan to go on and eventually get my masters degree, not sure in what yet, but it will have something to do with education.”

Meg was not the best of students, “I was kind of a challenge for parents from the ‘Norman Rockwall, Leave it to Beaver era’. I didn’t do as well at school. I would rather race dirt bikes and climb trees when I was in elementary school. I went to college because that was the thing to do. It was a requirement in my family. But once I knew what I wanted to do, school was fun. But because I struggled I believe I can really help the kids succeed because I know for some it is harder and from my experience I will know how to help them.”

I asked Meg what she liked most about the education field and she replied, “I love being in the classroom. I just love it. I have strived for this for a long time and I love it. I love that I am able to do my student teaching at Stafford Elementary. There are great teachers here, this is a great elementary school. Mrs. Morgan, Mrs. McCleskey and Mrs. Williams are all helping me be the best that I can be. Because I am starting my teaching career later in life I will never be at their level, because I will never have the experience they have and they will always be that much ahead. But to me this is something to strive for because I don’t expect to be perfect the first year. But I want the kids to be able to learn and understand things and do the best they can and I want to be a part of that. I have done a lot of substitute teaching, I have worked in private schools and charter schools. This is my first public school experience and I really like it.”

When asked why she chose teaching as her career choice Lyons explained, “I was teaching spanish at Cornerstone Christian School as a substitute. I was teaching spanish to a kindergartner and this poor boy had such a terrible twang. We were talking in sentences and he was having a tough time with this. One day I walked in the classroom and asked the students how they were and this little boy’s eyes were so bright and he answered me. It was the first time he was able to do this. He was so proud of himself because he finally got it, the light bulb went off. He knew what to say back to me. I will remember him always. The days like that as a substitute teacher is why I want to teach. I know I was meant to teach. And if the opportunity arises I would love to teach at Stafford Elementary after I graduate.”

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! You have shown us that perseverance helps us succeed.