I’m 23 and teaching sixth graders who were born the year I sat in their seats. Surreal, right? Your first year of teaching feels like every emotion ever invented crashing into you—sometimes all at once, sometimes on repeat. I’m still in that whirlwind.
I’ve heard numerous people describe teaching to me as “unlike any other profession,” but I don’t think that’s entirely true. Yes, teaching is exhausting. Yes, you pour your whole self into it and rarely receive the recognition you deserve. But none of that means teaching should define you. Teaching is just a part of who I am.
Beyond the Classroom
I’m fortunate to have four strong pillars in my life, each one grounding me, giving my world structure, strength, and meaning. The first pillar is my family. They were the ones who knew me before I knew myself. They’re my foundation and my bloodline. The second pillar is my friends. These are the people I chose. They walked into my life and stayed. I’ve built a community around me that feels safe and is full of good times. The third pillar is my boyfriend, a best friend, who turned into something more. He listens, he understands, and he holds me up in ways that feel both gentle and strong. The last pillar is my home, a space I created for myself. It’s my sanctuary, the place where I can exhale and just be.
Without these pillars, I wouldn’t be me. They define who I am beyond the classroom. And when work feels heavy, it’s easy to forget the supports that hold me up. But they’re always there: the people and places I can surrender to, the ones that restore my strength.
Setting Myself Up for Success & 2026 Goals
Success isn’t just about money, job security, or degrees. Those are the big, long‑term goals. For me, success starts with smaller, short‑term ones. It’s meal prepping on Sunday so I don’t have to cook after long workdays. It’s laying out tomorrow’s outfit, so I don’t stare blankly at my closet in the morning. It’s writing to‑do lists before bed so I wake up with a plan. These smaller, short-term goals keep my environment calm and my mind clear, making the bigger goals feel less intimidating and more achievable.
For about a year, I’ve been saying I want to get back into working out. During my undergrad, I took a class on teaching P.E. to elementary students, and after a few months of coursework, I taught P.E. at a local school. One quote from my professor’s slideshow stuck with me: “Moving your body is like cognitive candy for your brain.” And it’s true.
I grew up an active kid–cheer, competitive gymnastics, dance. Every one of those sports was a mental escape. I felt at ease. Working out in a gym gives me that same feeling. So, with the start of the new year, I finally bought a gym membership. It’s a long‑term goal, but I know it’s achievable because I’ve created smaller goals that support it and make the process feel less overwhelming.
At the End of the Day…
I’m still learning how to be a teacher and a person all at once. With the right people beside me, and the goals I set for myself, I’m building a life with intention post-grad.
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