More Than A Teacher

I believe that all things are relative and that everything is about perspective. Although Kelly Haynes would be considered an adult by most, she doesn't see herself as a ‘grown-up.’ Regardless of the fact that she goes to work everyday, pays taxes, and completes other actions that constitute being an adult, she feels as if she's only pretending to be an adult and that the ‘grown-up police will come and arrest her any minute for being a fraud.’

There is more to people than their occupation or the simple role that they play in your life. Some only know her as a teacher, but among other things, Kelly is a mother and a wife. Of the roles that she plays, the one she values most is being herself. She stated that she values the other roles that she has – but if she doesn't value herself and being a good person and the best person that she can be more than anything – then she can’t be the best in the other roles. Even though she doesn't consider herself a ‘sweet' person, she does try to be a good person and hopes that comes through to others. Following being a good person, she values generosity and will do or give whatever she can to help someone. However, she is a firm believer in helping those who help themselves.

She said that once she became a teacher, she realized that she had the ‘perfect' childhood; two parents who loved each other and their children and dinner on the table every night. At the time she didn't like getting grounded, but now she's appreciative of how she was raised.

She didn’t become a businesswoman in Dallas or a soccer mom of twin boys and two girls - as she imagined for herself as a young adult - but she did have a son who will be 22 on the 14th of May. Having a child ‘sucked her brains out’ because she was smarter and less forgetful beforehand, but being a mother is the most rewarding job - even if it's the hardest thing to do if done correctly. She taught her son that every action has a consequence and good things typically follow good decisions, however, breaking the rules tend to bring about negative consequences. Not only has being a mother taught her to no longer think of only herself or herself and her husband, but has given her a pride of having raised a good person who will contribute much to the world. Like most mothers, she wants her son to be a happy, fulfilled and self-sufficient adult.

Some aren't aware, but believe it or not, success is relative. Not everyone has to make a million to consider themselves successful. After having a child, the main goal in Kelly’s life was to raise her son to the best of her ability and she feels accomplished in that because she thinks that he is an awesome person and is proud of the man that he has become.

Regardless of the fact that some aspects didn’t turn out the way she thought they would, she is currently content with her life. However, contentedness should not hinder progress and change, Kelly still has experiences to be had and things to learn. There is always more to be done and had, and as a wise person once told her, “stagnation should not be an option.” As she would tell her younger self, it also applies to everyone else; be kind, work hard, take chances, try new things and enjoy life.