Finding My Footing Again: Teaching, Parenting, and Refocusing My Purpose

Returning to teaching full-time has been both a familiar and entirely new experience for me—especially transitioning into the high school classroom after time spent at the elementary level. While education is education at its core, the pace, expectations, and emotional demands are very different depending on the age group you serve.

High School vs. Elementary: A Different Kind of Energy

At the elementary level, the focus is often on nurturing—building foundational skills, guiding students through routines, and being a steady presence during their earliest academic years. High school, on the other hand, demands a different kind of stamina. The conversations are deeper, the students are more independent yet more complex, and the responsibility to prepare them for life beyond graduation feels heavier.

Stepping into a high school setting has reminded me just how much emotional and mental energy this level requires. Students arrive carrying real-world issues, identity questions, and pressures that don’t pause at the classroom door. It’s rewarding work—but it’s intense.

Still Showing Up as a Parent and PTA Member

Alongside teaching full-time, I continue to stay actively involved in my children’s middle school PTA. Being present in that space matters to me—not only as a parent, but as an educator who understands the importance of school-community partnerships.

Balancing these roles hasn’t been easy. There are days when my calendar feels like it’s pulling me in too many directions at once. But supporting my children and staying connected to their school environment remains a priority, even during seasons when my plate feels especially full.

Press Pause, Not Stop: My Second Book

One of the harder decisions I made this year was temporarily putting my second book on hold. It wasn’t a lack of passion or commitment—it was simply an honest assessment of capacity. Teaching full-time again required my full attention, and I allowed myself the grace to pause without guilt.

That pause, however, is coming to an end.

With winter break here, I am determined to complete my second book during this time. I see the break not as rest alone, but as an opportunity—dedicated, focused time to finish what I started and honor the story that still needs to be told.

Looking Ahead: From Words to Wearables

Completing this book is a critical step forward. Once it’s finished, I can fully shift my attention toward building out my apparel line—another creative and purposeful extension of my brand. Every phase of this journey is connected: education, authorship, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

This season has taught me that progress doesn’t always look fast or linear. Sometimes it looks like recalibrating, reprioritizing, and recommitting with clarity.

I’m not behind. I’m building—intentionally.

Walking In My Purpose

When I look back at where I’ve been, I see moments that could have broken me—times of doubt, setbacks, and voices that told me I wasn’t enough. There were days I questioned my value and wondered if the dreams in my heart were too big for me to ever reach.

But somewhere along the way, I made a decision: to believe in myself even when it was hard. To silence the noise of doubt and hold tight to the vision God placed in me. That belief became the foundation that carried me forward—step by step, challenge by challenge.

Today, I stand in the place I once only dreamed of. I’m walking in my purpose as an educator, shaping minds and pouring into others the way so many once poured into me. This isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. And I know without a doubt that if I hadn’t chosen to believe in myself, I wouldn’t be here.

My journey is proof that belief is powerful. It doesn’t mean the road will be easy, but it does mean that no obstacle can stop you when you refuse to stop believing.

So today, I encourage you: trust your journey, lean into your purpose, and never underestimate the power of believing in yourself. That belief just might be the bridge to the life you were created to live.

Keep Moving Forward

Every single day is a chance to choose growth. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve stumbled, been overlooked, or told “no.” What matters is that you stand back up, adjust your crown, and keep walking toward your vision.

Progress isn’t about giant leaps—it’s about the small, consistent steps that add up over time. The world may not always see your effort, but your persistence is shaping the path beneath your feet.

So today, remind yourself: I am capable. I am resilient. I am moving forward.

The journey may not always be easy, but it will always be worth it.

Moving Forward with Purpose

This past week was a powerful reminder that every small step counts. Whether we knocked out major goals or simply kept going when things got tough, we chose progress over perfection—and that’s what truly matters.

It’s easy to overlook the small wins, but they’re the building blocks of lasting change. Waking up with intention, staying focused when distractions tried to creep in, and choosing to speak kindly to ourselves—those moments are worth celebrating. We’re not just surviving; we’re growing.

Even if the week didn’t go exactly as planned, take a moment to honor your resilience. You showed up. You kept trying. And in doing so, you planted seeds that will bloom in the days ahead.

To anyone feeling tired or uncertain—don’t quit. You are capable, equipped, and worthy of everything you’re working toward. Keep showing up. Keep believing. The breakthrough doesn’t come to the strongest; it comes to the most consistent.

Let this new week meet a version of you that’s bolder, brighter, and even more committed to your purpose. You’ve already made it through 100% of your hardest days. And that’s not by accident—it’s by design.

Let’s rise again.

Reflections on My First Week as a Published Author

One week ago, I released my debut book, Leading with Purpose, into the world — and what a journey it has already been. From the moment I saw it live on Amazon, something in me shifted. It wasn’t just about checking a box. It was a full-circle moment — one filled with purpose, growth, faith, and perseverance.

This book represents more than leadership principles. It’s a testimony of discipline, vision, and the belief that when you pour into others, you elevate not only your organization, but yourself. Every word on those pages came from experience, research, passion, and the desire to empower others to lead boldly and intentionally.

In just this first week, I’ve received messages, shares, and support from friends, family, and even people I’ve never met. Every “congratulations” reminds me that purpose attracts purpose. Every purchase, every post, every comment — it’s all fuel to keep going.

Of course, not everything was perfect. I hit a few bumps in setting up platforms, verifying links, tweaking pages, and pushing past tech headaches (and self-doubt). But even in those moments, I reminded myself: progress over perfection.

This is just the beginning. Leading with Purpose is the first of many, and Ten’e Publishing House was created to be a vessel — not only for my words, but for the legacy I want to leave behind.

To every single person who bought the book, shared the link, prayed for me, or even just watched quietly from the sidelines — thank you. You are part of this journey.

Until next time — lead with love, lead with boldness, and always lead with purpose.

Dr. Sukoya Ten’e Johnson, DSL
Founder, Ten’e Publishing House