If someone had told me a year ago (or at any point in my professional career) that I would be working as a sixth grade English teacher, I would have laughed and dismissed the idea completely. Seriously. Especially after repeatedly being asked if I would use my English degree to teach someday, and consistently saying no. Now? I’m teaching sixth grade English. And while I’m navigating working outside of my comfort zone and within a virtual setting, I couldn’t be more thankful and appreciative to have this opportunity.
And to think? This happened during a global pandemic.
God moves in some wild ways. He’s not limited by a pandemic, the economy, or what anyone else has to think or say. Just as I was growing discouraged and about to settle where I was, a new door opened up for me to become an educator. For three years, I worked as an academic advisor and a communications specialist. And while I enjoyed being of service, learning new skills, and moving through different challenges in those roles, I knew I wouldn’t and couldn’t remain where I was. I was heavily discontented. So at the start of this year and throughout the pandemic, I updated my résumé. I also applied for different opportunities, started getting interviews, weathered many rejections, felt like giving up, and kept applying for new opportunities anyway. And then I got a phone call that changed everything. The call was regarding an application I completed mid-summer for a teaching position. I didn’t meet all the qualifications listed on the application for the position, but I took a chance and went for it anyway. Soon after, I went through a series of interviews stemming from the call I received. After I made it through the final round of interviews and closed my laptop, I quietly prayed and shed a few tears. “God, you already know about everything that’s been going on. If this opportunity is for me, let’s do this. If not, help me to trust you’ve got something else in mind.” And then I went back to work. About a day after I prayed that prayer, I received an offer to work as a sixth grade English teacher in my city. I was stunned. The woman on the other end of the call who shared the good news with me told me, “It was meant for you.” Being an educator will be a new chapter for me. I know it will have its challenges and rewards, but I’m so grateful and excited. I can’t think of more purposeful work than investing in young minds and young people. Especially when it comes to English, reading, and writing.
What I’ve learned from this incredible breakthrough is that prayer, persistence, and hard work mixed with faith, all pay off. There have been a handful of times throughout this pandemic, and even before it, when I felt like giving up on myself, my goals, and my dreams. I worked hard and prayed harder. I cried out to God about everything I was feeling and going through. And He came through in the form of a new opportunity. If He did it for me, I believe He can do it for you too. Whether you’re looking for a new career opportunity, a new love, new friends, or a fresh start, I pray that God answers your prayers and that you receive what’s meant for you too.