Column: Once a teacher, always a teacher

Once a teacher, always a teacher. Years ago, I landed my dream job in education, where I enjoyed a solid decade as an elementary school teacher before leaving the workforce to raise a family. During that time out of the classroom, I joined Chicago Star, back when it was a small, local publication serving the New Eastside neighborhood. Our mission was to provide hyperlocal news and connect residents with useful resources.

As a staff writer, it often felt like I was teaching our readers about the extraordinary city of Chicago and its talented people through my writing. My lessons consisted of informative news articles and uplifting feature stories that served to enlighten the community and spread goodwill. I was part of a passionate editorial team that worked tirelessly to educate people through journalism.

After the pandemic came barreling into our lives and the dust began to settle, I found myself embracing a strong desire to rekindle my teaching career. The process seemed daunting, but I didn’t let fear and uncertainty stand in my way. The skills I honed as a mother and writer — patience, flexibility, creativity and resourcefulness, to name a few — helped me channel confidence and bravery as I painstakingly updated my prehistoric resume and applied for jobs.

We are now two months into the school year, and I am happily back in education teaching second grade. In some ways, it has felt like building the boat while weathering the storm. But in other ways, it has been like riding a bicycle. I’ve come full circle, embarking on my “Act Three” with a sense of gratitude and appreciation and writing another story to add to my life’s collection.