I love my subject matter and I think that is something they always remember. But unlike a lot of people, I think in general, this generation is better than those in the past. They are doing things in high school now that we wouldn't dream of doing 20 years ago. The days of straight lecture are over and the students are more involved in their own learning. The biggest problem we have is short attention spans and the fact that a lot of students are not great readers any more.
Good teachers are zealots.
They are totally committed and they won't give up. If you look at the truly gifted teachers, that is the common denominator. I would tell any new teacher to find a mentor. Go and seek out someone who is doing good work and talk to them. Ask them for advice and help.