I quit. I did it. I’m no longer an elementary school teacher.
Yesterday was one of the the hardest days of my life (not counting days of true tragedy and sadness). I’ve never quit anything that meant something so big to me. In my 26.5 years of life, I’ve either stuck with things, or grown out of them naturally, like working at a day care center in high school, I left when I went to college. If I quit something, like soccer in the 5th grade, I didn’t really care for it or put much effort into it, so quitting wasn’t such a big deal. This was a big, huge, enormous deal to me.
I was destined to be a teacher since elementary school when I played with my friends. I was one of the only people I knew who ALWAYS wanted to be a teacher. Enter college, what’s my major, teaching, obviously. There was never ever a wavering thought or moment because teaching was ALWAYS for me.
I graduated college when I was 21 years old. Fast forward 3 months I was a 100% full time Special Education teacher for the 4th grade. I honestly thought I’d stay there for a long time, much longer than 5 years. I thought I had it all figured out. I had a great boyfriend I’d been with for a long time, I knew engagement, marriage, and a mortgage was coming…and it did, happily. Oh 21 year old self, how you so didn’t know what was ahead.
That first year of teaching was by far the hardest, I was constantly challenged with learning curriculum, adapting it, meeting the needs of all 12 children with special needs, plus the emotional needs of 12 other general education children, plus fitting in at a new school. None of that changed in the other 4 years, I just knew the curriculum and my collegues, which made things easier.
I drove to school with a giant smile on my face everyday ready to teach. I lived for the kids and our time in morning meeting where I developed a great connection with all of my students, each year. But somewhere along the way, things changed. My smile went away and they became tears many nights of the week. Where did that happy person go, because I REALLY missed her? I remember hearing and comforting my friend, Lauren, when she went through this and I didn’t think it would ever… be… me. Hate teaching, no way, couldn’t be me, but it was.
The thing is, I don’t know if it’s because of my blog or because of the blogging community that things fell into place for me. I just know that this is the way it’s meant to be. Because of my sister I started this blog to write down my recipes and healthy living tips for her, but along the way it changed into SO MUCH MORE. Because of the healthy living blog community I found Integrative Nutrition and my destiny changed. Maybe it was always supposed to be this way, and I didn’t know, but, I know now it’s right.
I know that I am and always will be a teacher in my heart. I’m just teaching something different now. The teacher in me will always have patience and understanding; be organized and prepared and for this I’m grateful. I’m so grateful for the time I spent teaching and learning and that’s never over. I’m grateful for the kids I taught and hopefully touched. I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to meet and develop relationships with amazing friends that got me through everyday. I’m grateful that I now have the chance to be happy and make a difference in the lives of others, in a different way. Those Sunday tears are going to be no more.
I have so much more to say about this, but it will have to be a different post on a different day.
For now, it’s onward and upward for me. My future hopes and dreams are here now.
*Edited to add: THANK YOU to all of you who stood by me through this time in my life with words of wisdom, guidance and support. You all mean so much to me whether you are real life or a virtual friend. Whether it was a phone call, text, email or emoji filled conversation it meant the world to me! THANK YOU!
after I quit, telling my sister how it went. smiles & tears
{ 41 comments… read them below or add one }
Nicole, you are a brave lady to pursue your passion. I know it’s hard to give up something (big!) because you feel it’s “quitting” (see: my struggle to leave my PhD behind me earlier this year) but in the end it has to be about you and what you feel is best for you. I have been reading your blog for a long time now and wondered when this might be coming. I know it was a hard decision but it sounds like it’s the right one for you. Good luck with pursuing your dream and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!
Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite recently posted..Charcutepalooza August: Terrine and headcheese
I quit teaching 3rd grade after 7 years and I was a good teacher. There will always be a part of me that misses the students and a part that feels guilty, too. And that’s even though it’s been many years since I left teaching. I do agree that former teachers go on to use those skills in other ways though. I teach now on celiac/gluten intolerance and helping people live gluten free (and more “free”). Kudos to you for taking the steps YOU need to be happy and at your best! Sounds like you’ll be helping many with your integrative nutrition approach and, of course, still teaching.
Shirley
Cheers to the next step!
Matt @ The Athlete’s Plate recently posted..In Defense Of Food
i’m SO proud of you!! can you see my proud face? it’s HUGE!!
Congrats girl! I am so excited for you!
Jessica @ How Sweet recently posted..Salted Mudslide Cookies.
Congrats! You are so brave for pursuing your new passion. Very exciting!
Congratulations! It can be hard to do things even that we know feel right but it will always end up rewarding.
Evan Thomas recently posted..Raw Pad Thai
Recently started reading your blog and i really enjoy it! Just wanted to say that this post hit my heart in more ways than one. I am a special education teacher of 7th grade (been teaching for the past 2.5 years straight out of college). Always wanted to be a teacher and obviously followed that dream. But NOW….i’m not so sure it is my dream anymore. since getting into trying to live a healthier lifestyle, finding new healthy foods, motivating myself to get more consistent with workouts, and finding inspiration from others through the blog world (as well as finally starting my own blog) i just feel like my “dream” and “passions” have switched. Now all i think about is the world of healthy living and I don’t know what to do. Teaching is harder, not as enjoyable and just doesn’t seem to fullfill me. I still love it, but definitely not in the same way.
Thanks for writing such an honest post that is so easy relatable! Congrats for having really good courage and following your dream!
SO proud of you. I hope there are other people out there as brave as you. congrats to starting a new chapter!! SO exciting!!
Cant wait to read about this new chapter in your life!
Congrats!
Val @ Balancing Val recently posted..Back To School
So happy and proud of you! A new journey awaits!
Hey Nicole. As I read your account of your transition from special education teacher to nutritionist, I can’t help but think about my own future as a teacher. It’s difficult for me to understand what exactly changed internally that brought you to the decision to leave a traditional educational setting. From your time as a little girl who was destined to be a teacher and then pursuing that dream all the way into your adulthood and then to switch at this point in your life. I can’t help but think about my own future; if something like this is possible for me, especially for someone with as much love and passion for teaching as you have. I guess I’m just curious about what exactly changed internally and externally in your world in order to make this change. Maybe it’s too personal and I should mind my own damn business. My guess is that Danny wined and moaned about how you need to feed him more. His peanut butter sandwiches without the crusts just weren’t cutting it anymore.
Anyhoo, sweet blog. This is the first one I’ve ever responded to. Tell Danny I am ‘Mr. 21st Century’ now.
Congrats on taking action and following your heart!
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Working Out for Work Health? And Grilled Salad
I’m so happy for you that you’re following your passion but I’m so sad that I won’t have you at work anymore. We are going to miss you so much! You def have to visit often and bring some goodies for us!!
So proud of you sister!
wow! this is so big. i am very proud of you to realize this early on. nicole it must have taken a lot of soul searching. good for you!
kalli recently posted..Massaged kale salad
So happy for you – for following your passion!
So proud of you, Nicole!
Christie Inge recently posted..Balance is bullshit.
Congrats on pursuing your life passions!!! Very exciting!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg recently posted..True Grit
It is so funny because I feel you and i are the flip side of the same coin. I am in the process of quitting my nutritionist job and am going through the alternative certification process to become a teacher. I think that following your dreams and going after what you want most in life (not what someone wants for you) is the only way to ensure your happiness. I am proud of you. You are NOT a quitter…you are going after your dreams and becoming more of your own person!
Kelly recently posted..do you ever
Kelly, I actually thought about you as I was reading this!!
Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life recently posted..Bread Machine Successes and Failures
haha i know it’s so true Kelly! Well both have really great advice for each other
SO excited for you!!!! And I know what you mean about loving teaching and being a “teacher” but not loving all that goes into the job or feeling fulfilled by it. I faced the same things. I know I will never go back, but still love to help others and lead. You will certainly find a way to keep that aspect of yourself with the thigns you feel more passionate about. Yay for you!
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun recently posted..It Can Still Happen
Congratulations Nicole! The future has a bright outlook for you! I know you will be successful in everything you do!
Maren recently posted..Happy 4th!
Congratulations on having the bravery to pursue your passion! This is going to be an exciting new journey
I used to teach and I know exactly what you mean about the Sunday tears – it’s such an amazing profession but it can really take so much from you.
Aine @ Something to Chew Over recently posted..More ways to add fruit and vegetables to your snacks
It’s got to be a bit bittersweet, I’m sure. But we are all proud of you. You are so strong and amazing and courageous to pursue your new dream with so much passion. Congrats!
Congratulations – so wonderful that you are following your passion, and I’m sure your teaching background will serve you well where ever you go, just in a different direction.
Jeanette recently posted..Inspiration and a Tropical Guava Pineapple Banana Smoothie Recipe
Quitting is a very hard thing to do. You must feel so relieved now! Congratulations!!!
Dori recently posted..Why I Don’t Tell You What I Eat
Way to go for your dreams! I hope you’re filled with all smiles now
Congrats!! I’m so excited to follow you throughout your new journey babe!
Katie@Real Food Katie’s Way recently posted..Fighting For My Muffin Rights
So so so proud of you Nikki…can’t wait for all that’s ahead for you-xo!
Nicole, this is so huge. Congratulations!
As you know from when we talked before, I’m very much in the same boat as you. So seeing this, and just having that extra little reminder that it IS okay to follow what you’re truly passionate about is just what I needed. I am so happy for you and can’t wait to see what’s in store for you!
Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life recently posted..Bread Machine Successes and Failures
Congratulations!! Decisions like that are always so difficult and even more so bc of the emotional ties!! How exciting for your future!! Happy for you!
LizAshlee recently posted..Zucchini Jumble+Pesto
From one of your BIGGEST fans…..I KNEW this was coming and wanted it for you
Since I tasted your very first treat and of course the many ones after that…I KNEW! I was SO sincere, each time I told you that you needed to sell this or that, you need a store, sell on your website, etc. Now it’s happening! You were a great teacher to your students, but now it’s time to move onto bigger and better things for YOU! I wish you the best of luck, in all that you do. This new path is going to be an endless one; of enjoyment and opportunity. I am SO happy to have met you and look forward to hearing about all of the stops along YOUR path. Best of luck and love, in everything that you do! xoxoxo -Wendy
Onward and upward…this is for sure!! The possibilities are endless. I am so proud of you and whole-heartedly believe in you. You are going to continue doing great things because your heart and soul is in it. Congratulations!! I love you!!!
I am SO happy for you, Nicole! I know that this decision was weighing on you. The act of making that dreaded call was difficult, but you got through it just the way I knew you would and now it’s onward and upward for you.
For the longest time I thought I wanted to be a teacher too. I used to play “school” when I was little and always knew (at least I thought I did at the time) that I was going to be a teacher. Then, life experience happened. I struggled with my weight and eating disorders and was pulled into another direction and had a new passion. I felt that students should have teachers whose whole heart is into teaching and my heart wasn’t in that place anymore.
Wishing you all the best in your new endeavors! I can’t wait to see where this new journey takes you. I hope that your days and nights are filled with smiles to make up for all of your tears.
Kim @ Imperfectly Perfect recently posted..The Little Things Can Bring a Sprinkle of Happiness
So stinkin excited for you girl!! You are gunna rock this world and change so many lives!! Cant wait to hear all about your journey
Kat recently posted..WIAW & Grilled Veggie Flatbread
You’re so brave… I’ve been teaching for 12 years now and it seems to be getting harder, not easier. I often wonder what I would do if I left teaching, but for the moment it’s a pipedream, the bills won’t pay themselves!
Claire @ keepsmeoutofmischief recently posted..Building a den for the garden and a maths lesson!
Good for you for following your heart and taking that leap of faith. Good luck in the next phase of your life!
Carolyn recently posted..Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Ice Cream (Low Carb and Gluten Free)
As a wise woman recently said to me. “GO YOU !”
That’s a great thought. We would like to say thank you for sharing your thoughts. We will for sure bookmark your site. It’s hard to find quality posts.My wife and I just bought a book on the exact subject and was pretty good, but you explained a few things that the book did not.
Faye recently posted..Fall Colors
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