I used to love my work as an educator, teaching students with special needs. But to be honest, many days felt like survival. There was never enough time to do all that was needed, and the constant demands left me feeling stressed. At the same time, I saw my students struggling—anxiety, self-criticism, communication challenges, and a lack of motivation. These weren’t just learning barriers; they were affecting their mental health, their self-belief, and their hope for a meaningful future.
I knew something had to change. This wasn’t how I wanted to do my work—because if I continued this way, I feared I would stop loving the work I used to be passionate about. So, I reminded myself of my values. I decided to take time to connect with my students in a different way. We started our weeks by simply sitting together, having tea, and listening to each other.
I decided to start teaching about humanity—about all the things that unite us all. Together, we explored how the mind works, why we have emotions, and how to regulate them. We learned to listen to each other and learned how everyone has something unique to contribute and how we can learn from each other. Then one day, a student said something that changed everything for me:
There’s nothing wrong with me, I just haven’t understood myself.
That moment gave me a new mission in my role. I realized that these topics weren’t just extras—they were essential. I started weaving them into every subject and interaction. The impact was undeniable: students became more engaged, the classroom atmosphere transformed, and their emotional skills strengthened. But something else happened, too—I found my own spark again.
I had been so focused on all the demands and what I was doing that I had lost sight of why I was doing it. When I reconnected with my values, I embraced simple, practical tools and saw how small, intentional actions could create lasting change—not just for my students but for myself as well.
Imagine a world where every young person has the opportunity to learn emotional skills, build self-worth, and discover their purpose through education. Imagine being that person in someone’s life—the educator who makes a difference. Because the truth is, we all are and we should see ourselves as important as we truly are. My why? I believe that everyone is #markedwithpurpose, with something unique to contribute and my mission is to help make that visible.
I believe every educator has a story to share—stories that inspire and remind us why we do this work. That’s why I want to start a new storytelling series, where educators will share their meaningful journeys. I warmly invite you to be part of it.
💡 Interested in MARKED’s programs?
In spring 2025, we are launching our first Global MARKED Educator Training Program, designed to provide practical tools that can be implemented in everyday interactions with youth. A program that helps educators like you thrive in your profession while making a lasting impact on young people’s lives.
📩 Want to be the first to hear more? Send us an email at hello@markedwithpurpose.com
#GlobalMarkedEducator #BeTheChangeYouWantToSee #MyStory #Purpose
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