From the Bus Driver’s Seat to the Doctoral Stage: Why Every Step of Your Journey Matters
How Every Step of Your Career Journey Shapes Your Purpose and Leadership
Success does not always follow a straight path. Sometimes, the experiences that seem farthest from where we ultimately want to go are the very experiences preparing us for our purpose.
My journey in education began more than 25 years ago as a school bus driver. At the time, I could not fully see where the road would lead. What I did know was that I was surrounded by students, families, educators, and communities, and I was learning lessons that would stay with me throughout my career.
Over time, my journey took me from driving a school bus to serving as a paraprofessional, substitute teacher, classroom teacher, school administrator, and eventually, a higher education professional. Along the way, I continued my own education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, and ultimately, a Doctor of Education in Teaching and Learning from Grand Canyon University.
Each role mattered.
There can be a tendency to measure professional success by titles, degrees, promotions, or how quickly someone reaches a particular level. My experiences have taught me something different: growth often happens long before the title changes.
Every position gave me an opportunity to understand education from another perspective. Working directly with students taught me the importance of relationships. Leadership taught me the responsibility that comes with influencing and supporting others. Higher education has allowed me to help individuals recognize possibilities they may not have previously seen for themselves.
One lesson has remained consistent throughout every stage of my career: relationships matter.
That belief ultimately became central to my doctoral research, which examined how African American K–12 teachers describe their relationships with African American students and how those relationships may influence student learning. My research reinforced something I had witnessed throughout my career—education is about much more than curriculum. Students remember whether educators make them feel seen, supported, valued, and capable of succeeding.
The same principle applies to leadership.
Leadership is not simply about being in charge. It is about creating opportunities, developing others, building trust, and recognizing potential. Some of the greatest impact we make may come from a conversation, an introduction, an encouraging word, or opening a door for someone who needed an opportunity.
As women progress professionally, it can be easy to compare our journeys with those of others. We may question whether we are moving quickly enough or whether our path looks the way success is supposed to look.
I have learned that your journey does not have to resemble anyone else’s.
Every chapter can serve a purpose.
The years I spent as a school bus driver were not separate from the woman who eventually became Dr. Tamika Singleton. They were part of her development. The paraprofessional, substitute teacher, classroom teacher, administrator, and higher education professional were all part of the same journey.
Today, my work continues to center on education, leadership, relationship building, service, and creating opportunities for others. I remain committed to lifelong learning because earning a doctorate was not the conclusion of my journey. It was another beginning.
For women who are still working toward their next level, my encouragement is simple: do not discount where you are because you have not yet reached where you are going.
Learn where you are. Serve where you are. Build relationships where you are. Remain open to opportunities, and continue preparing yourself for what comes next.
Your path may take unexpected turns. It may require patience, perseverance, and starting in places you never imagined.
But no experience has to be wasted.
Sometimes the road to your purpose begins exactly where you are standing.
