CAIRO, Ga. (WALB) - Selena Williams started teaching over 20 years ago, finishing her own degree and working full time while raising her two daughters.

For years, her life was a juggling act between the teacher’s desk and the kitchen table.

I had some late nights, long nights so I had to navigate school, work and be a parent.

Late nights of grading papers and mornings that started before sunrise allowed her to be a teacher to other people’s children and a mother to her own.

It took a lot of prayer, a lot of time with kids, just being intentional with the time that I did have so that they knew that they were loved and appreciated.

Through shifts in marriage and seasons that felt uncertain, she said her faith was the constant.

In moments when she felt she had nothing left to give, she said her faith kept her going for the sake of her children and her students.

For young mothers wondering if they can handle a classroom and a home, Williams offers this: you don’t have to do it all perfectly. Lean into faith, love your family and trust that work and weakness can be used for good.

Williams said she hopes her story reminds other mothers they are not alone, that it is acceptable to ask for help and to let faith, not perfection, be the measure of success.

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