“Believing you’re enough changes everything.”

We live in a glass bowl world. Every move, post, and thought is visible through social media, where comparisons are constant — either by others or by ourselves. We wonder: Is it good enough? Creative enough? Original enough? Sometimes, there’s instant gratification — likes, comments, affirmations. Other times, silence leaves us questioning our value.

During student teaching, I dreamed of someday becoming Teacher of the Year, but life happened and I never revisited it — until a friend casually asked, “Have you ever thought about applying for TOY?” Honored but terrified, I wrestled with the fear of putting myself out there — risking disappointment. I didn’t apply that year, but the seed was planted.

The following year, I applied — and wasn’t selected. I learned of it while attending SHAPE New Orleans, surrounded by positivity but privately fighting disappointment. I chose to see it as a lesson, believing things happen for a reason.

The next year, I tried again. This time, I won Illinois Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year and decided to take a leap and apply for Midwest TOY. When I opened the “Congratulations” email, I was in disbelief. Winning my state felt incredible — but winning the Midwest was another level entirely.

I’ll never forget the moment my name was called at the national convention. The cheers, the hugs, the overwhelming love from my tribe — it felt surreal. For a rare moment, I felt seen, valued, and celebrated not just for a title, but for the passion and heart behind it.

The months that followed were a whirlwind. I stepped  outside my comfort zone.  I was invited to present at conferences and be a guest on blogs.  I was on a panel supporting immigrant students through physical education.  I  met colleagues who became lifelong friends. And–I advocated for academic integration  with movement, something I am deeply passionate about.

It taught me never to let self-doubt or negative talk consume my energy. Sometimes it just takes one person to believe in you — or one word of encouragement to keep someone else going.

Some of my favorite memories were being celebrated in my own building, surrounded by students, colleagues, and my husband. I was proud to represent my school, my state, my organization — and to stand tall as a Latina woman thriving in her best teaching era.

For a snapshot in time, I was reminded that I am good enough— and that someone out there truly finds value in what I offer.

But imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear with a title. I often pressured myself to be “more” when all I needed was to be myself. Being recognized as a National TOY is an incredible honor, but it can also bring incredible pressure.

Still, I wouldn’t trade the experience.
I walked away not just with a title, but with friendships, growth, reflections, and moments I’ll carry for a lifetime — and a reminder that the best form of flattery is when someone is inspired enough to make your work their own.

This microblog post was a featured post in #slowchathealth’s #microblogmonth event. You can search for all of the featured posts here. Please do follow each of the outstanding contributors on social media (including Cindie Cortinas-Vogt, the author of this post) and consider writing a microblog post of your own to be shared with the global audience of slowchathealth.com

Pair this blog post with the following awesome posts from Cindie:

B.A.M. An Educational Journey of Empowerment by Cindie Cortinas-Vogt

Find Your Tribe by Cindie Cortinas-Vogt

Have you read the latest Book of the Month recommendation?