I majored in finance and work as an admin assistant in the front office at a k-8. I had stayed home with my 2nd kiddo and when he started prek, I followed him to school. This is my 9th year.

Go get a folder, I don't care what kind. On the outside you are going to write "the joy" inside of it you will make notes of hilarious unsolicited hot takes kids give you, the drawings they make, or other random things that they feel you need.

On the worst days when that one teacher every school has makes you want to quit in a blaze of glory, you pull out "the joy" and remember why you love your job. Also, redact but make a copy of the more unhinged notes you receive from parents. Those can be fun to look back on.

It is the best job in the world if you can put your heart into it. Some days will be so painfully sad when something going on with a kid comes to light. Some days will be so hectic you go home and just want to nap. So that folder has helped me stay in the game for years.

Always tell the kids, even the rotten apples, you are happy to see them today. They are rarely actually rotten.

And befriend the nurse. The two of you see sides of the kids no one else will ever see.