I managed to make it past the first semester with great grades, but as I realized the freedom I had, my daily studies soon began to turn into a more late nights hanging out with my friends. Needless to say, I "failed" to keep my grades up the second semester and lost the scholarship. So of course, I figured I could handle this, it surely was not the end of the world; so I took out student loans to fund my way through the remainder of junior year. Of course loans would not do it alone, so I worked off campus for a retail clothing store as well as joining a work-study program on campus to supplement my income. After all, I had to pay for those loans right?
Tuition continued to climb and I realized that this college "thing" was not doing it for me, so I decided to quit, reluctantly but I did it. I went home and told my parents that I was not returning to school my senior year. I remember the look on their faces, they were so disappointed, but understood by dilemma. I continued to work and soon after married my knight-in-shining-armor. We had 2 children and life financially still did not seem to be measuring up financially. I worked in banking, real estate, and even in a 911 dispatch call center for one of the most notable and renowned police departments known to man. I was still unfulfilled, but I had another one of my "GREAT ideas". I decided to go back to school and finish my degree! It was a struggle for me and it was difficult, but definitely worth it.
I worked 3rd shift full time while going back to school(that's right- the same university I dropped out of - I went and re-enrolled), being a wife, and mother. I don't think I ever slept more than 4 hours a night for approximately 1 year, my senior year in school. However, I persevered and graduated May 2010 with my Bachelors degree in Business Administration. Approximately 8 months later, I decided to become a police officer. I went through the police academy being the only female and only African American in the class. I worked full time as an officer for a year and a half. Things were going well, and my kids were growing up. I started to have that "unfulfilled" feeling again. My daughter was playing sports and I could not be there for her because I had to "work". I had to utilize sick time or shift-swap with other officers to make my daughter's games. I realized that my priorities were suddenly changing again!
I began soul searching and thinking back over my life and accomplishments of what I truly wanted to do with my career. I realized that becoming a teacher was always something I wanted to do but did not know how to get there, especially with a Business degree -- that I am still paying student loans for, but not currently using in my law enforcement career. So I began calling and asking about teaching careers and spoke to those close to me to inform me about what my next course of action should be. After making a couple of phone calls and having discussions with my husband, we both agreed that this would probably be the best option for me and our household. I was torn about leaving the police department, so I did not tell anyone of my plans because nothing is a sure thing- right?
Understanding that teaching was a passion I wanted to pursue, I decided I would become a business teacher. I mean it was a no-brainer since I had a Business degree. I took and passed all of the required tests. Low and behold, a position for a Business teacher became available at my daughter's school! I quickly applied for the job and had an interview with the principal the next week! (Oh, did I forget to mention that I kept this a secret from daughter too. I could just imagine her reaction that I am going to an interview with her principal and that I may be working at her school! The DRAMA that would cause!)
After leaving the interview, I felt confident but uneasy that I could potentially be working with 7th and 8th graders, totally different than what I am used to in law enforcement. I know there are several resources available to business teachers, but could I truly do this? As a police officer, I have the luxury of making an arrest and then transporting to jail, but I will be stuck in the classroom with this kids....I had to keep asking myself, is this something I can do? What if I am not cut out for this job, working with kids? I mean of course I have two of my own, but this is totally different, what had I just done?
Once I received the call from Human Resources with the ISD,and I heard them say " when can you start?" I was floored. That is when it hit me that I was going to have to leave the police department. It was so bittersweet, at least so I thought. When I went to talk to my Lieutenant and Corporal they had already spoken to the ISD. I told them I would have my resignation to them before the end of the day, giving them two weeks notice. My Lieutenant and Corporal expressed how they did not want me to leave but understood my reasons. By the end of our conversation, I was asked to consider working for the police department on a part-time basis. I could not be more thrilled and immediately accepted!
They always say "hindsight is 20/20". I had to go through so much to get where I am today. The road was long, hard, and sometimes lonely, but I weathered the storm. Today I am a full-time middle school Business Teacher and a part-time police officer. Looking back, I know that I made the right decision and cannot wait to see what lies ahead for me in these two exciting career paths.
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