Coding a New Path:
How Teaching Brought Me Home

Career transitions are never easy, especially when leaving a stable, well-paying field for something completely different. My journey from computer science to early childhood education was filled with uncertainty, challenges, and moments of doubt. Ultimately, it led me exactly where I was meant to be—back home in Fairfield County, teaching in my community and living among fellow educators who understand the joys and struggles of this profession.

I began my career in computer science, drawn to the logic and problem-solving aspects of the field. I loved the structure, the challenge of writing clean, efficient code, and the sense of accomplishment when a program ran flawlessly. But over time, something felt missing.

My work, while intellectually stimulating, lacked a personal connection. I wanted to do something directly impacting people’s lives and feel meaningful beyond a screen. That’s when I started considering teaching.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that education was calling me in a way that technology never had.

So, I took a leap of faith and returned to school, earning my Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Early Childhood Education. With my MAT in hand, I was eager to start my teaching career. I began working in the Head Start program, first in Charleston County and then in Berkeley County, South Carolina. I was excited and optimistic, ready to bring energy and passion into the classroom. However, the reality of the job quickly set in. Teaching in Head Start was overwhelming. The demands were intense—not just academically but socially and emotionally. Many of my students came from difficult home situations, and I found myself navigating a complex web of social services, behavioral challenges, and administrative requirements. I loved my students but felt disconnected from the joy of teaching. Instead of feeling fulfilled, I questioned whether I had made a mistake. Had I left one career I didn’t love, only to step into another that wasn’t the right fit either?

After a few difficult years, I returned to my hometown in Fairfield County. It was a homecoming in more ways than one—physically, emotionally, and professionally. I felt something different when I stepped into my new classroom. For the first time, I truly belonged. The school welcomed me with open arms, and the sense of community was immediate.

I wasn’t just another teacher—I was someone returning to give back to the place that had shaped me.

What made this transition even more special was discovering a community of fellow educators who lived and worked alongside me. Many of my neighbors were teachers—people who understood the exhaustion, the long nights of grading, and the emotional investment that comes with shaping young minds.

The mornings in my neighborhood began with familiar sounds—teachers loading their bags into cars, the hum of school buses, and waves exchanged between colleagues heading to their respective schools. In the afternoons, you might see a group of us unwinding at a local coffee shop, discussing ways to engage students, or sharing a laugh about the funny things kids say. Outside school, I ran into students and their families at the grocery store, the park, and community events.

While teaching never truly stops, it no longer feels like a burden. Instead, it feels like being part of something bigger—a network of educators and families all working together to shape the next generation.

After six years of teaching, I made another major transition—moving into the Teacher Village, a community designed specifically for educators in Fairfield County. The most immediate benefit was the drastic reduction in my commute. My hour-long drive shrank to five minutes, gifting me back time and energy I didn’t realize I was missing. With those extra moments, I could start my mornings without the stress of traffic and return home with the capacity to plan lessons, pursue professional development, or simply recharge. But beyond convenience, living in a community made up entirely of educators has been an experience like no other.

There’s an unspoken understanding among us—we all know the demands of the job, the long hours, and the emotional investment it requires. I don’t have to look far if I need help brainstorming a lesson idea or venting about a tough day.

The atmosphere here is different from any other neighborhood I’ve lived in. Instead of small talk about the weather, our conversations naturally turn to classroom successes, new teaching strategies, or ways to support our students better. There’s a shared sense of purpose—everyone here is committed to education, and that energy is contagious.

Living in the Teacher Village has made teaching feel less isolating. I feel more supported, inspired, and connected to the larger mission of education.

It’s a place where work and home blend seamlessly—not in a way that overwhelms but in a way that reinforces the passion we all have for our students.

Looking back, I don’t regret my time in computer science or my early struggles in education. Every step of my journey has taught me something valuable. My tech background gave me problem-solving skills that I use daily in the classroom—my challenging years in Head Start taught me resilience and patience. My return to Fairfield County has shown me the power of community, support, and finding the right environment to thrive. Now, I wake up excited to go to work. I see my students growing, learning, and discovering their strengths. I see familiar faces at school, in my neighborhood, and all around town, reinforcing my deep connection to this place.

Sometimes, life has a way of bringing us full circle. I found purpose right where I started—back home.