My Dream Started in 2nd Grade
Since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a teacher. Even when I had doubts, I always came back to that dream. I went to college and earned my master’s in Special Education and Literacy. I thought I would stay in a classroom forever.
But before I settled into a school job, I wanted to try something new. So I moved to China to teach English.
Teaching in a New Country
First, I worked in a public school in China. Later, I joined an American international school in Shanghai. I still saw myself as a full-time teacher. Maybe I’d even teach at a university one day.
Then I got a new role as a reading and special education teacher. That job helped me discover something new. I didn’t just love teaching. I loved helping students grow in life too.
Coaching Before I Knew It
In my classroom, I helped students set goals, practice gratitude, and believe in themselves. It wasn’t just about school. It was about life skills. I didn’t know it back then, but I was already coaching.
A Big Step Into Leadership
One day, my boss told me she was leaving. Then she asked me to take her place.
I felt nervous and unsure. But I said yes. I also started working with a coach to help me feel ready. She helped me deal with fear and imagine the kind of leader I wanted to be.
That was when I saw how powerful coaching really was.Learning Real Coaching Skills
Later, I joined a training program about coaching in schools. It made total sense to me. I signed up for the full course and began using those skills with my team.
At first, I thought I’d just be a school leader who used coaching. But then things changed again.
Moving Back to the U.S.
I came back to the United States because of a family emergency. After that, I felt tired and confused about my future. I took some time off to rest and think.
Coaching kept coming back to my mind. I looked for part-time coaching jobs. I also saw people online turning coaching into full-time businesses. That inspired me.
Starting Eileen’s Path
While journaling, I realized I had been through over 40 life changes. All those changes taught me a lot.
That’s when I decided to create Eileen’s Path.
Now I work as a life and transition coach. I help people through change with more confidence and less stress. I use what I’ve learned in my own life to support others on their path.
Final Thoughts
I didn’t plan to become a coach. Life led me here step by step.
If you’re going through change and feel unsure, know that you’re not alone. Coaching helped me grow, and now I help others grow too.
