The journey of self-discovery is never linear, and for me, it has been a winding road of challenges, growth, and eventual clarity. As a pre-service English teacher pursuing my passion for language arts, my experiences navigating mental health struggles, exploring diverse career paths, and persevering through professional trials have profoundly shaped my identity and aspirations. Reflecting on my learning journey through dropping out of university, completing two block practices, and transitioning into part-time teaching, I recognize how these experiences have not only refined my professional outlook but also helped me define what I truly value in life and work. This page explores these four pivotal learning experiences that contributed to my growth and concludes with key takeaways about resilience, self-discovery, and finding meaning in teaching.Â