Faith Over Fear

Faith over Fear. I have spent many hours discerning my future career move. Do I leave the business world, go back to school to earn an education degree, and at 50 years old dive into a new world?

Faith over Fear. Deciding to wade in, I called the Catholic school my children attended decades ago to learn about becoming a substitute teacher. Instead, the administrator invited me to interview the next day for the open paraprofessional position at the school.

Faith over Fear. I interviewed and began working in the school shortly after as the para for an incredible team of teachers. With each passing day in the school, my confidence grew confirming I was exactly where I needed to be.

Faith over Fear. I further committed to this dream by enrolling in full-time college courses that worked well with my full-time para position. During these three years of late nights and long papers, my team of teachers supported and encouraged me. They were there to offer suggestions, guide my lesson planning, conduct interviews before and after school, and share mentor textbooks, etc.

Faith over Fear. I am now employed as a teacher at that very school, surrounded by the faculty that enthusiastically buoyed me. Immediately after accepting the position as teacher, I ordered two Faith over Fear necklaces, one for each of my team members. The story gets better! You can imagine how hard I laughed when I received a package in the mail a few days later from my incredibly thoughtful, encouraging, and supportive sisters-- a Faith over Fear necklace for me as a Congratulations gift! This necklace reminds me to choose Faith over Fear-- as certain as it reminds me of the love and friendships that envelope me daily. 

Kim Vanzwoll