To my younger self, to my previous students, and to the system that failed both of us:
I’ve carried this weight quietly, not always knowing what to call it — regret, shame, grief. But today, I want to face it with honesty. To my younger self: You didn’t even plan to become a teacher. You were promised something different — something closer to your real passion and advocacy. You said yes because you believed that, somehow, this would lead to your purpose. But the promise was broken. And instead of guidance, you were met with silence. Instead of support, confusion. You were thrown into a role you never trained for, yet expected to master it from day one. And when nothing felt right, when every step felt like a mistake, you kept pushing — even as you began to lose faith in yourself. I forgive you for feeling lost. I forgive you for doubting yourself. You were in a place where no matter what you did, it felt like it wasn’t enough. But I see now, your effort was real. Your heart was in it. Even in your lowest moments, you cared. To my students: I came across stric...
