If I Smell Like a Card Catalog, It's for Good Reason.

I've always wanted to live in a library. I'm sure it has something to do with the soothing smell of old books. There's also the feeling of harmony that comes from being in a building full of people and realizing the loudest noise is the hum of the ventilation system. Yet, I think what I love most about libraries is the sense of communion with other knowledge seekers. The pulse of complete nerd-hood is almost palpable as volumes of new information are absorbed and exchanged all around you.

It wasn't until I completed my undergraduate studies and left my college town that I realized how much I loved being surrounded by students. After one year working as an interactive designer in the advertising industry, I knew I needed to return to a place where education was not a trial to be survived, but a way of life to be savored. I wanted to learn everything I could about interactive and graphic design, the creative fields I had fallen into as an undergrad, but more importantly, I knew I wanted to share that passion with others.

I think it's difficult for anyone to explain why teaching moves them without romanticizing the entire teaching process. There will always be students who would rather be anywhere but in my class. There will always be institutional politics and budget crunches and people who don't share my passion. But I also know that I'm happiest when I'm sharing a great new idea with other curious minds, and I know that I'm most fulfilled when my work makes the world a smarter place. So, until my local librarian tells me I can unroll a sleeping bag and curl up in the nonfiction section, I'll continue to commune with the pulse of nerd-hood as a day job.