We don't always know

Sometimes the heart knows where it needs to be, even if we try to take it elsewhere.

When I was in high school, I really felt like the most enjoyable career for me would be as a teacher, yet I didn't actually admit that to anyone. I honestly wouldn't even admit it to myself. Nope, I was meant to be a sports reporter.

I was a journalism major in college and continued to pursue the sports reporting career, covering games and writing for the various publications at the multiple universities I attended. I even started some freelance work researching and writing for ESPN during my last year of college (something I actually ended up doing for about five years).

When I graduated, I only sought jobs in sports media, though something within me still said this wasn't the right path. I decided to ignore that voice. I love sports, and I love to write. Why would I not combine the two? Eventually I hoped to be a SportsCenter anchor and follow in the footsteps of the great Linda Cohn. It didn't matter that the lives of those in her profession revolved around their jobs, right? I mean, surely it was the glam life.

I started working for an online publication after college and covered local high school sports. My lifestyle changed so drastically so quickly. Weekdays were spent going to schools for interviews and information, covering weeknight sporting events, and writing various news pieces and features for our site. Friday nights were dedicated solely to football and making sure I went immediately home to delve out my stories. Those were always late nights, and Saturday mornings were early, as I had to go report on cross country meets. Just as I knew it would be, my job was my life, and time with friends and family came second.

I remember feeling overwhelmed much of the time, but this was the life I was supposed to have, right? Forget the fact that when I interviewed teachers and coaches I wished we could switch roles. Nope, I was living the dream.

One morning while running, I found myself praying about my situation. I didn't want to quit my job, but I wasn't sure I was really happy and that this was the career for me.

Sometimes God answers prayers immediately.

We had a company meeting that morning, and our president told us that we were going out of business and that we should all start seeking new jobs. Wow. I was stunned. I felt relieved, but at the same time I really didn't know what to do. I didn't have a plan.

But He did.

Five years of awesome.

It became clear to me that this was my cue to go after what I knew I was supposed to do: teach. It's amazing how quickly everything came together. I got the news in March, worked a couple of jobs at once (as a publisher's assistant and at the rec center in my hometown), and began an alternate certification program. I actively started looking for teaching positions, went to a few job fairs, and met with my elementary school principal to get some advice from her. Before long, I got a call from a high school, had an interview the next day, and was hired two days later. When I got the phone call, I did a cartwheel in the lobby of the rec center.

I can't believe it's already been five years. There have definitely been some ups and downs, but I'm absolutely certain that I'm exactly where I need to be. Sure, there are days when the kiddos drive me bonkers, but you can't help but love them. I care for each student who walks through my door, and I truly hope that all of the them leave as better people than they were before. I don't just want to help them in their writing and video editing—I want to see that they're prepared to go into the real world and make real impacts on others.

I'm honestly thankful I took the path I did, because I think I needed to see that sports journalism isn't what I was meant to do. I'd rather just enjoy the sports, be a biased fan, and make more time for the people I care about and love. And, you know, educate the future of America.

You don't always dance to the tune you thought you would, but often the song that ends up playing is so much better.