How Family Conflict Led Me to My Dream of Becoming a Teacher

Renaya Resanola's journey to becoming a sociology teacher was deeply intertwined with her childhood experiences. She describes growing up in a home filled with constant arguments between her parents, which led her and her younger sibling to seek refuge in their rooms, covering their ears to block out the noise. This environment, which should have been a sanctuary, became a place she longed to escape.

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I grew up in a house that was noisy. Mom and Dad often argued, sometimes over small things, sometimes over problems that had been suppressed for a long time and finally exploded.

Resanola found resilience in her challenging upbringing, viewing education not just as a path to her aspirations but as a means of liberation. She recognized that the only way to build a life distinct from her home situation was through extensive education, allowing her to create distance and focus on personal growth.

Her decision to major in Sociology and pursue a teaching career stemmed from her personal experiences. Through sociology, she learned that the conflicts within her family were not unique personal failings but rather a reflection of broader social issues. Understanding these societal pressures, such as economic hardship, inherited parenting styles, and the lack of open discussion about mental health, helped her move past self-blame.

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For me, education was not just about aspirations, but also about a way out.

Choosing to study in another city brought her immense relief. It provided the necessary space to breathe, think clearly, and concentrate on her own development, free from the constant tension of her home life. This distance allowed her to heal and to channel her experiences into a desire to educate others.

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Sociology taught me that domestic conflict is often not purely about 'who is wrong', but is also related to economic pressures, intergenerational parenting patterns, and the lack of public space to openly discuss mental health.