Last Day of School, Year 6 of Teaching

 Today marks the last day of school at the middle school—and the end of my sixth year of teaching. It's wild how quickly time flies in education. Next year will be year seven, both in teaching and in what I originally thought would be a "gap year." I never imagined I’d dedicate seven years of my life to this profession, yet here I am. Life happens.

I want to be honest: I don’t see myself continuing in education long-term. I don’t mind teaching part-time at the college level, but middle school? Definitely not for me anymore. I’ve thought about switching to high school, but there aren’t any open biology positions at the schools I’d actually want to work at. The ones that are hiring are just too far away.

As for administration—assistant principal, principal—that path doesn’t interest me. I don’t want to get into administrative work. That’s not my passion.

Truthfully, I hope this is my last gap year. But some days, I feel really defeated. I wonder if the only reason I’m still stuck where I am is because I’ve never really had help. As a single mom, everything falls on me. If something were to happen to me, I often ask myself, Who would take care of my daughter?

I’ve been working and taking college classes since I was 16. In the beginning, my grades suffered because I was always working. Now I juggle three jobs, have a 4.0 GPA in my classes—but I still can’t find time to study for the GRE or MCAT. And that’s why I’m entering my seventh gap year. It sucks. I’m tired, and I don’t know what else to say.

I honestly can’t see myself doing another year like this after next year. I really can’t.

If you’re reading this and your true passion is to become a doctor—go for it. Don’t wait. Don’t let a job get in the way. Quit if you can, and focus on your studies while you have the chance. I don’t have that option anymore. I have a child to care for, and I’m doing it alone.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about moving to the Caribbean to pursue medical school. But that would require going to court to get my daughter’s passport renewed—something else I have to figure out.

So yeah... there’s a lot on my mind.

Thanks for reading. Until next time.