I’m afraid I won’t fit in

Moving up to teach a higher grade level initially felt doable. I was confident and open to the change. However, everything shifted once I met my new colleagues. The mood was cold—they weren’t warm or welcoming. Instead of encouragement, I was met with probing questions and skeptical glances, as if I had to prove myself just to belong. It was an unpleasant and disheartening experience.

So, I decided to take a step back and observe—just like the saying goes, ‘Take one step backward to make two steps forward.’ I gave myself time to study their behavior, tone, body language, and work ethic. And guess what? I realized that most of them didn’t have as much to offer as they seemed to believe.

With that perspective, I made a decision: I wouldn’t pour out everything right away. I kept my best ideas guarded and focused on staying consistent with the quality of my work. I didn’t falter or seek approval. In the end, my output spoke for itself, and I stood out in the middle of a nonchalant crowd.

That’s how I overcame my fear—by choosing wisdom over reaction, and consistency over validation.”