Education as a Calling
Today, I’m sharing something close to my heart—rethinking education, growth, and how we define success in learning. Whether you work in higher education, are a medical professional, an academic, or a parent eager to nurture curiosity, this conversation is for anyone who’s ever been inspired or frustrated by the education system. Maybe you, like me, have felt the thrill of structured learning but also sensed its limitations. Let’s explore this together.
For as long as I can remember, education was my calling. I came home from my first day of kindergarten and told my mom, “I want to be a teacher.” The school system offered me structure, safety, and room to grow. I was a high achiever; I thrived in its framework, as many of you may have as well. But as I continued through college, my eyes were opened to something deeper—education isn’t a one-size-fits-all. For some, traditional systems felt restrictive, uninspiring, even torturous. That realization drove me to research and eventually write a dissertation on college students who had dropped out and found new paths to success. It was eye-opening to see how some people flourished outside traditional structures.
Discovering Other Paths to Learning
My professional journey continued as a professor, where I delved into educational methods that approach learning differently: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and career and technical education. These perspectives illuminated other ways for students to engage, learn, and grow. But while I was thriving academically, my body and mind began to struggle under the weight of constant achievement and the demands of academia. Eventually, burnout crept in, affecting not just my work but my health and my sense of purpose.
Reconnecting with the Essence of Education
Emerging from that burnout and reflecting on what I’d experienced, I felt a renewed drive to reconnect with the essence of education—not as a rigid system, but as a dynamic process of growth, curiosity, and shared exploration. What if we could imagine education differently? What if we could create environments that truly foster the potential of every learner, from preschoolers to adults at the height of their careers?
An Invitation to Imagine Together
This is my invitation to you. Let’s talk about what education could be. Imagine an educational landscape where curiosity, well-being, and adaptability take center stage—where people of all ages and backgrounds find spaces to thrive. We can’t deny the challenges that exist today in education, and yes, it’s easy to become disheartened. But there is also a powerful opportunity here to reshape learning in ways that are inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking.
Let’s Plant This Seed of Change
I’m planting a seed with this video post.
I’d love to hear your perspective.
To make it easy, here are a few ways you can jump in:
Comment below with one thing you’d like to see in the future of education—an idea, approach, or value that excites you.
Send me a quick reply if you'd be open to joining a future conversation group.
Forward this to a friend who might be interested.
Whichever feels easiest, your voice matters in this dialogue.
A Future Worth Imagining
Together, let’s start a conversation about what education could be—for us, for our children, and for generations to come. We don’t need to have all the answers today. This is about sparking curiosity and planting the seeds of change, one conversation at a time.
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