Getting into my Element

First off, let me say that I am thrilled with this book so far. I am enjoying the content of the book so much and am making many connections to my own life. Finding my element is exactly how I got to where I am today. Without depressing anyone with all the details, I will say that I was feeling a little lost. I had started a degree in elementary education, but had quit school and had a child. For three years, I worked nights as a waitress and cleaned area businesses for extra money. Finally, I got fed up with being away from my daughter at night so I started to look for something during the day. A newspaper ad for a classroom aide at the local elementary school caught my attention and I applied and was hired. That is where things began to turn around for me.
Immediately, I was reminded of why I had originally been interested in a career as a teacher. Not only was I happy to go to work everyday, but my employers loved to have me too! I began to get compliments from other teachers as well as the administration. I was happy with my job for a while until the student I had worked with passed away. Her passing pushed me to finish school so that I could continue to work with kids which I loved, but to make enough money to pay the bills. I had truly found my niche and I wasn't going to let anything stop me.
Or so I thought... When I finally returned to school it was so hard for me to balance life with kids and school. I did my best and I think the reason that I have made it as far as I have is because of the faith of a couple of my college professors. They also recognized that I was at home in the classroom and encouraged me to keep pushing through. After graduation, these professors assured me that I would become a great teacher someday. Application upon application and NO JOB! I thought working with children was what I wanted to do, so I started working as a TSS. What a terrible fit that was for me! I spent most of my time depressed. Sure, I was working with kids and I do love that. Unfortunately, I always had to start out with a focus on negative behaviors which I could not stand! I kept looking for a teaching position, but to no avail so finally I enrolled in my Masters program. After graduating for the second time, I started to get interviews which is what led me here, to OCMS.
All the challenges of this school year leave me wondering if I am truly in my element here at the middle school, I often think I am better suited for the elementary. I haven't had as much time to learn how to work with these kids yet. While I am certain that I am in the right profession, I think I need to gain more experience before deciding what I truly want to do.
Another aspiration... someday maybe I will be a writer! I just need to learn to be more consice first!