At the time of writing this, the Spring semester begins in two days. It’s a frigid January day, with the forecast predicting snow on a Thursday that threatens the start of classes. As a result, I’m taking a break from preparing my first few lessons to reflect and think about life. As one does when impending snow may or may not force you inside.
I find myself thinking about teaching, about its importance as a career for me.
Over the winter holidays, my mother retired after thirty years of being an elementary-school teacher. She dedicated most of her adult life to being an educator. This coming Spring semester marks my sixth semester teaching at the college level and fourth year as an educator. With my mom now retired after so long within the realm of education, I wonder if I’ll ever achieve thirty years.
If I had to give an honest answer, it’s a no. The no arises from different ambitions.
Teaching at a University is my current plan, but I am open to stepping aside if content creation and my novel can provide enough income for a comfortable life. My passion lies with writing and content creation. And, while I love teaching, it’s not my passion. Being a teacher is a long road towards a mountaintop. It fulfils both a financial requirement and a path towards personal growth.
Teaching has been such an incredible experience from grad school days to my brief period in Japan. I’ve grown and learned more about myself than I ever thought I would. At some point, however, changes will occur, as with all roads, and I’ll have to turn down a fresh path towards the mountaintop. The world shifts and changes, but my ambitions will always remain the same. Writing. Content Creation. And, someday, I will build an animal shelter and have an army of pups, cats, and other creatures to look after. Teaching doesn’t fit into the long-term goals and plan. I see myself replacing students with all the fur babies you can imagine.
For now, though, I will continue to pour my heart into this incredible opportunity. There is still a long road ahead, and for now, teaching offers me the stability I need as the mountain draws near.
Jesús M. Rivera 