Not All Good Things Are the Right Thing, But Every Learner Deserves the Right Path

A candid pic I took of my kiddos on vacation in El Yunque in Puerto Rico. The best lessons often come outside the classroom. Family adventures remind me why flexibility and curiosity matter so much in learning.

Not all good things are the right thing, but every learner deserves the right path.

That phrase has been an anchor in both my personal journey and my work as an educator.

I’ve never been afraid to change my mind, revise my dreams, or begin again. Being willing to shift and stay open has led me to experiences I could never have planned: traveling through Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and across the U.S., buying a home, driving the new car off the lot, celebrating the wedding, raising the family, and earning degrees along the way.

But I’ve also started over - more times than I can count. I’ve packed everything into a car, left behind what no longer fits, and stepped into the unknown.

Walking Away From “Good Things”

For me, walking toward something new has often meant walking away from what others might consider a “good thing.” And that hasn’t always been easy. People will often put their limitations on you when you share your dreams. I’ve had people tell me never to leave classroom teaching, that I could still find time for my other passions while staying in the role. But after 20 years of struggling to balance professional and family responsibilities, I knew it wasn’t possible.

So, I learned to keep certain choices close to my heart until I reached my goals. I stayed grounded by remembering what message I wanted to send to my children, not just through words, but through actions. Yes, I want them to see me as a hard worker. But more than that, I want them to see me as a visionary, bold, unafraid of the unknown, unwilling to compromise on passions while still creating joy and safety for them.

One of the biggest turning points in my life came after my mother died unexpectedly in 2007. I felt lost, displaced, like I had lost my center. About a year later, I emptied my apartment, boxed up a few sentimental items, packed the car, and drove to Kentucky to start over. That season of my life was difficult, but also healing. Kentucky was where I enrolled in my MFA program, traveled the world, and began tutoring, something that continues to shape me today.

Openness to change has not only broadened my experiences. It has become a source of confidence and identity. Change excites me. Even in the moments of fear and chaos, I’ve learned that if you are honoring yourself and on the right path, things tend to work out.

The Right Path in Education

That same mindset is what I bring to my work as an educator and tutor. Learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sometimes, it means revising strategies, starting fresh, or letting go of what doesn’t work—even if it looks good on paper. Growth happens when we stay flexible and open to change.

I often think of one of my former students, Quran. He was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD and faced significant challenges in the self-contained classroom. His behaviors were disruptive and, at times, aggressive. The school’s solution was to send him to the office for hugs, kisses, and treats to calm him. This approach was a “good thing” in the moment, but it wasn’t sustainable, nor was it truly supporting his growth.

We created a new plan that combined warmth with accountability, rewarding only positive behaviors and building on his skills. By the end, Quran wasn’t visiting the office for treats—he was going there to proudly show off his reading skills and verbal development. That was his right path.

When students are pushed to stick with what looks good on the surface—advanced programs, rigid curricula, or polished strategies that don’t fit—they lose confidence. They disengage. I know it’s time to pivot when I see frustration, withdrawal, silence, or even blurting out random responses. Those signs don’t mean failure. They mean we need a different approach.

Why People Hold Onto “Good Things”

I believe so many of us cling to “good things” that aren’t right for us because society has shaped our definition of success. At one time, entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency were the norm—families ran businesses, grew their own food, and charted their own paths. Today, those ideas often feel scary or out of reach, and the same narrative plays out in education.

But walking away from one thing doesn’t mean failure. It means making space for the right fit. As an educator, that often looks like giving students small wins. It’s not always about being right or proving a point. Letting students feel success, even in small ways, builds confidence that leads to real progress.

Every Learner Deserves the Right Path

My children are pictured here, learning about the complicated history of El Morro in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

So, what does the “right path” look like? To me, it’s defined by growth, no matter how incremental. It builds confidence and consistency. And it honors the learner’s individuality, instead of forcing them into a box.