Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexia Perkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alexia , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was leaving the security of a corporate job to pursue my dream of becoming an educator. It was a decision that required faith, resilience, and a deep belief in my purpose, but it shaped the course of my life and career.
At the time, I was working in a corporate role that provided financial stability—a necessity as an adult with bills and monetary responsibilities. However, deep down, I knew this wasn’t where I was meant to be. My true passion was teaching, and I couldn’t ignore the call any longer. After much reflection and prayer, I made the bold decision to quit my job and dedicate myself fully to earning both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.
It was terrifying. I had to save money to fund my schooling personally, knowing I’d be out of work for a year and a half while I pursued my degrees. Financial stress loomed over me as I carefully budgeted every penny. There were moments of doubt when unexpected expenses arose or when the weight of my decision felt overwhelming. It wasn’t an easy path—there were bumps, setbacks, and nights when I questioned if I had made the right choice.
But I kept reminding myself of my “why.” I had a dream of creating spaces where children could feel seen, valued, and inspired. I wanted to make a difference in their lives, and that vision kept me moving forward even when the road felt uncertain.
Looking back, taking that leap of faith was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Today, I am exactly where I’m meant to be—teaching, inspiring, and pouring into the lives of my students. The risk was worth every sacrifice, and it taught me that sometimes you have to bet on yourself, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
This experience has given me the courage to take risks in other areas of my life and the empathy to encourage my students to dream big, even if it means stepping out of their comfort zones. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that growth often comes from the scariest and most uncertain decisions—and those risks can lead to the most rewarding outcomes.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Alexia, an educator with a deep passion for fostering creativity, connection, and confidence both in the classroom and online. I hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from Old Dominion University, and I’ve spent over five years teaching 2nd grade in the Virginia. I’m now a 3rd grade teacher, serving a diverse community of military families, English language learners, and students from underprivileged backgrounds. My mission has always been to create spaces—whether in my classroom or online—where people feel seen, heard, valued, and safe.
My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to feel they belong. In my classroom, known as Perky Pupil Land, I work to create a magical environment where students are inspired to explore, learn, and thrive. I design lessons that are engaging and interactive, while using data-based decision-making to meet the unique needs of each student. Beyond academics, I aim to nurture their sense of self-worth, encouraging them to believe in their limitless potential.
Outside the classroom, I extend my passion for creativity through content creation. On platforms like Instagram (@perksofaneducator) and TikTok (@ThePerkyTeacher), I share outfit and beauty inspirations, teaching tips, and ideas for self-care. My content is designed to empower teachers and busy professionals to embrace their individuality, find joy in the little things, and invest in themselves—because I believe when we pour into ourselves, we’re better able to pour into others.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend education, fashion, beauty, and advocacy for teacher wellness. My audience knows me as someone who approaches everything with enthusiasm and authenticity, whether I’m talking about how to transform a classroom space or sharing my favorite makeup products that help me feel confident on hectic days.
One of my proudest accomplishments is being named Teacher of the Year—a recognition that speaks to my dedication to making a difference in students’ lives. Additionally, my work in a professional development initiative I created, showcases how I use data and creativity to elevate learning experiences for students and teachers alike.
For anyone following me or learning about my work, I want them to know this: I’m passionate about creating environments where everyone feels empowered to shine—whether that’s a student in my classroom or a teacher finding confidence in their style and voice. My goal is to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness, find balance in life, and cultivate joy wherever they can.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My journey to becoming an educator is one of resilience, perseverance, and purpose. I knew early on that teaching was my calling—a dream rooted in my passion for helping others and creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. However, the road to achieving my degree was anything but smooth.
While pursuing my bachelor’s degree in education, I faced obstacles that tested every ounce of strength I had. For eight years, I was my mother’s caretaker as she battled cancer. Balancing schoolwork with the responsibilities of caregiving was overwhelming, and there were countless nights I questioned whether I could continue. My mother was my greatest supporter, always encouraging me to chase my dream of becoming a teacher, even in her most difficult moments.
A year before my graduation, my mother passed away. It was devastating, and the grief threatened to consume me. I wanted to give up so many times, feeling as though I didn’t have the strength to move forward. But in those moments of doubt, I thought about her unwavering belief in me. I realized that finishing my degree wasn’t just about achieving a personal goal—it was about honoring her legacy and the sacrifices she made to support me.
That realization ignited something within me. I pushed through the pain, the exhaustion, and the self-doubt, determined to cross that finish line not just for myself but for her. When I walked across the stage at graduation, it was one of the proudest moments of my life. I knew she was with me in spirit, and I carried her love and encouragement with me as I stepped into my dream of becoming a teacher.
My journey taught me that resilience isn’t about never facing challenges; it’s about finding the strength to keep going despite them. It’s about believing in your purpose even when the path seems impossible. Today, as an educator, I carry those lessons into my classroom, striving to inspire my students to believe in themselves and their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face. My mother’s strength lives on in me, and her belief in my potential continues to fuel my passion for teaching.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most transformative lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the idea that failure is final. Instead, I’ve come to see failure as an essential part of growth—a perspective that has completely changed the way I approach challenges and has driven me forward in my teaching career.
During my pursuit of becoming a teacher, I faced numerous setbacks that tested my resilience and determination. From the demands of earning my bachelor’s and master’s degrees to navigating the rigorous certification process, I encountered moments where defeat felt inevitable. One of the most humbling experiences was taking the Praxis exam—a crucial and costly certification test—not once, but five times. Each attempt came with its own frustration, disappointment, and financial strain.
It would have been easy to give up, but I knew that achieving my dream of becoming a teacher was worth the struggle. Each failed attempt became a lesson: a chance to reassess, refine my approach, and strengthen my resolve. I learned to embrace the process, understanding that setbacks weren’t the end but an opportunity to grow and come back stronger.
This mindset shift was pivotal. I realized that it’s okay to fail, as long as you learn from your mistakes, get back up, and try again. It’s a lesson I carry with me every day and one I strive to instill in my students. I remind them that failure isn’t something to fear; it’s a stepping stone to success. Whether it’s a tough test or a challenging project, I encourage them to persevere, reflect, and approach obstacles with determination and creativity.
As cliché as it sounds, nothing worth having comes easy. My journey taught me that resilience, effort, and the willingness to learn are what truly lead to success. And now, as an educator, I take pride in modeling this lesson for my students, showing them that no matter how tough the journey gets, their dreams are always worth fighting for.
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