Blossoming Beyond the Classroom:My Journey from Teacher to Flower Farmer
Flowers, dirt, and quiet solitude - quite the change from the bustling world of classrooms, coffee cups, and the endless energy of teenagers. I adored my job as a teacher. The smell of whiteboard markers, the excitement of those 'aha' moments, and the distant sounds of mariachi music - they were the daily melodies that brightened my life.
Teaching is no easy path; it's like being a parent, a sibling, and a friend all rolled into one, without any fancy titles. We accompany our students on endless journeys, guiding them through the maze of teenage emotions, and celebrating the simple joys of an ordinary Wednesday. In the education world, the leaders often advised us to hide our true selves, as if invisibility was the secret to success. But our students? They taught us to be authentic, to let our true selves shine. It's a bit like a game, one that takes years of perseverance to strike the right balance where you and others can play on the same field. I thought I had mastered it, until COVID came along and changed all the rules.
“It's not about you, it's the budget.” These words echoed in my mind when I learned that my teaching position would be axed due to budget constraints. My world fell apart. I had been dedicated and working in public education since I was 19, and now it was all yanked away.
But my sorrow soon became my muse, all thanks to my students.
The joy I found in teaching came from creating spaces for my students to be themselves. I offered them love, guidance, and unwavering support to empower them to be their best. In return, I saw how they wished the same for me. That's when I realized, even after the devastating news, I needed to extend the same love and support to myself.
And so, my journey from the classroom to the flower field began. The vibrant colors of flower petals replaced the markers on my whiteboard, and the beauty of blossoming flowers paralleled the 'aha' moments in my students' eyes. The tranquility of the countryside became my new haven between lessons.
In this new chapter, I've maintained the same dedication and passion, but I now channel it into nurturing blooms, arranging bouquets, and connecting with the natural world. From the classroom to the garden, my mission to empower others remains. Just as I encouraged my students to be their best, I now cheer on each seed as it sprouts and reaches for the sky.
My journey weaves together lessons learned in the classroom and the garden, as I continue to advocate for growth, both in the lives of my students and the blossoms I cultivate. Join me as I share stories, face challenges, and savor the joys of this new path. Together, we'll uncover the harmonious symphony of teaching, flowers, and the ever-evolving adventure of life.
