The biggest mistake I made I think was not wanting to be a full time teacher. I feel now I could have been a more effective teacher rather than a substitute. I didn't realize the positive impact a teacher could have on a child until I was called to either speak with a student I knew or being able to help resolve an issue between students. I saw myself as just a substitute teacher only to realize years later when I've run into students who remember me how much more I could have offered had I decided to become a full time teacher.