At the Crossroads: Choosing Between Leadership and Teaching

There comes a point in one’s professional journey when the road forks, and the choice ahead is neither simple nor straightforward. I find myself standing at that very crossroads—torn between continuing as part of the university administration or stepping down to focus solely on teaching.

When I first accepted my administrative designation, I promised myself that I would serve wholeheartedly, but I also told myself that I might end it once I found a school to pursue my doctorate. That plan, however, never materialized—not because of a lack of interest, but because of a lack of time. I’ll admit it: time management has never been my strength. Even the simple act of searching for schools and scholarships feels like an impossible task when daily responsibilities keep piling up.

In my current role, I see so many things that need to be done for the University—projects to push forward, opportunities to explore, connections to strengthen. Yet, each time I try to advance these goals, something comes along to delay or derail them. Some obstacles are beyond my control, while others come from my own limited bandwidth.

And so, the question remains: Do I continue this path of leadership, where I can make an impact but feel constantly pulled in all directions? Or do I return to the classroom full-time, focusing on what I love most—teaching—while giving myself the space to finally pursue my academic dreams?

For now, I’m learning to sit with the uncertainty. Sometimes the right choice isn’t about rushing into action but allowing clarity to emerge with time. After all, the decision I make will shape not only my career but also the way I serve the institution and my own personal growth.