Over the years, I’ve faced many difficult decisions, but the one that stands out as the hardest was choosing not to return to long-term substitute teaching after Covid. Teaching was never just a job for me. I loved the kids, the rhythm of the school day, the energy of the classroom, and the sense of purpose that came with being part of an educational community. Walking into a school felt like stepping into a second home, where laughter, curiosity, and growth filled the halls. But when the world shifted because of the pandemic, so did my priorities. Covid forced me to reevaluate what mattered most, and where I wanted to devote my time and energy. While my heart was dedicated to the classroom, another piece wanted different. The chance to pursue my writing.
The decision was painful. It meant stepping away from a role that gave me joy and fulfillment. It meant saying goodbye to the daily interactions with students, the small victories of helping someone grasp a concept, and the camaraderie of working alongside dedicated educators.
But it also meant saying hello to possibility of the blank page, the stories waiting to be told, the chance to create something lasting. In the end, I chose writing because it represented not just a career shift, but a commitment to myself. It was a leap into uncertainty, but also into validity. Teaching will always hold a special place in my heart, but writing allows me to explore my voice, share my viewpoint, and perhaps reach people in a different way.
Deloris Nash 