December 31s, 2014 was my last day working the bank. I had decided that after 2 years, it was time for me to move on and pursue my interest in the field of education. I was content with what I did at the bank. Although it was a field I never thought I’d pursue, I made many great friends and relationships, and helped out the best I could to make sure people had a great banking experience. Every once in a while, I would get someone who thought they were a big shot, and could tell me how to do my job, or threatened to talk to my manager,but I would usually get support from my co-workers that I did nothing wrong. I did contemplate these last few weeks of whether I should really leave this secured position to one that was unsecure, but I had to take the chance of being happy
I woke up every morning dreading the thought of having to put on my uniform consisting of black pants, button down ironed-shirt, black shoes and socks and drag myself to my car. My drive wasn’t far, but I would still say a small prayer in my head to calm myself down because all I could think about was the negativity. This negativity got to the point where I wasn’t smiling, I wasn’t greeting customers, and I would just look like I didn’t want to be there; a sour-puss if I may say. I was gaining weight, I lacked motivation in myself, and I was questioning God and contemplating what I would do with my life. Was I destined to work this job forever and never try to pursue other interests? Would I just get by at this job and keep looking for internal opportunities? Would my attitude eventually get me fired? This all changed whenever my wife told me there was a Journalism teacher opening in her school district.
This interest to go into education had been lingering for a few years now and I never had the nerve to pull the trigger. Sure I got the opportunity to substitute for almost a full school year, but I really needed to start making money so I jumped on the first full-time job that was offered to me. It wasn’t until my wife told me about the Journalism opening, that all the signs hit me in the face. That opportunity could lead to joy and happiness, whether I received the position or not. Once I picked the alternative certification program that was best for me, they gave me the green light to pursue. I didn’t get the job because I applied the same day the position was filled, but I remained optimistic. The certification program is allowing me to test in English Language Arts and Special Education, so if I can pass those content exams, I can apply for jobs in those specific areas. That is my goal, but in the meantime, I accepted a position in HISD as an hourly lecturer to help me gain full-time experience in education and see if I want to continue in this field. So far, it has been rewarding; I don’t have that feeling of dragging myself out of bed, I don’t feel miserable while I’m at work, nor do I have to worry about people yelling and threatening me. I control what I do, although I have my supervisors directing me where to go and who to help, but this is at my pace and I can help change these students. I can help them learn and become civilized adults that won’t yell at you at your place of work, or that won’t threaten you, or who won’t talk down at what you do.
I have a chance to better the future in what I am doing. At the bank, I didn’t feel that need, I just saw it as a business, and the business needs money to get ahead. Here, I am a mentor, a teacher; someone who can mold the mind of the students and help them see what I see in society and hopefully they would want to change that view. These students don’t know my name or who I am yet, but they see me, they recognize my face and know that I will not be deceived or run-over in my path to be happy and enjoy my new found career. My New Year resolution is just that, I will continue to pursue the field of education. I will meet new people, make new friends, share our dreams and goals and we will make the best of what we’re given and all be agents of change.
