Perspective | Still believing in education after 24 years

School’s back in session, and I’ve found myself reflecting more than usual. After 24 years in education, I’ve seen a lot — moments that made me proud, moments that tested my patience, and moments that reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.

I’ve watched classrooms transform from chalkboards to smartboards, from paper worksheets to digital platforms. I’ve seen students navigate the chaos of a global pandemic, learning through screens and isolation, and now we’re all trying to understand what artificial intelligence means for the future of teaching and learning. I’ve witnessed the rise of conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion — some inspiring, some divisive — and I’ve seen students who feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure of their place in the world.

And through all of it, I still believe in education.

I still believe in its power to change lives. I still believe in the spark that happens when a student finally “gets it.” I still believe in the role educators play — not just as instructors, but as mentors, guides, and sometimes lifelines.

This semester, I’m adjuncting at Barton College in Wilson, North Carolina. It’s a new chapter, and something happened recently that reminded me why I keep showing up. President Doug Searcy shared a message with the faculty that struck a chord deep within me. He said:

“We’re raising the level of our academic programs and expectations so that our students are both challenged and empowered.”

That’s not something you hear every day from college leadership. In fact, in all my years, I’ve rarely heard a message so clear, so bold, and so full of belief in students. It’s not about lowering the bar to make things easier — it’s about helping students rise to meet it. It’s about trusting their potential and giving them the tools to succeed. That kind of leadership matters. It sets the tone for everything that follows.

And it reminded me of something else I deeply believe in: the incredible value of our North Carolina Community College System.

We don’t talk about it enough, but it’s one of the best things we have going. You can walk into a community college with little more than a dream and walk out with real skills, real credentials, and a real shot at a good-paying job. Whether it’s welding, nursing, IT, or digital media, these programs are practical, affordable, and life-changing. In just a semester or a year, students can transform their futures — and that’s powerful.

Of course, there are challenges. Education is not perfect. We face budget cuts, policy shifts, burnout, and sometimes a lack of appreciation for the work we do. We see students struggling with mental health, financial stress, and the pressure to succeed in a world that’s constantly changing. But even in the face of all that, there’s still so much good.

There are schools that care deeply about their students. There are leaders who inspire with their vision and integrity. There are teachers who go the extra mile, staying late to help a student, reworking lessons to make them more engaging, or simply being a steady presence in a young person’s life. And there are students — so many students — who are ready to do the work, who show up hungry to learn, who surprise us with their resilience and creativity.

After 24 years, I’ve learned that education isn’t just about curriculum or test scores. It’s about connection. It’s about believing in people. It’s about planting seeds that may not bloom for years, but knowing that you were part of something meaningful.

So yes, I’m still hopeful. I’m still proud to be part of this profession. And I’m still excited to see what’s next.

Because every fall, when the school doors open and the students walk in, I’m reminded that education is still one of the most powerful tools we have. And I still believe in it — with all my heart.