I don’t think anyone really prepares you for what it feels like to be responsible, let alone for little hearts and growing minds. I walked into the job thinking I was there to teach—to show up, lead with intention, guide behavior, model maturity. But what I didn’t expect was how much I’d learn in return. Not from a manual or a supervisor but from the very kids I was supposed to be teaching.

Post-grad life didn’t come with the manual everyone made it seem like it would. There was no instant clarity, no magic opportunity waiting at the end of the stage. Just me, my degree, and a whole lot of unanswered questions.

When graduating from high school, most students become very overwhelmed with life coming at them all at once