My Story
How I Found My Light
Hi, I’m Karla — an educator, mom of four, and the creator of Lightbulb Journals.
I’ve spent my whole life helping kids find their light — even before I realized that’s what I was doing.
As a lifelong athlete and former collegiate volleyball player, I learned early on that grit matters more than talent and progress comes from showing up again and again. Years later, being inducted into my college’s Hall of Fame reminded me that the real victories are in the growth behind the wins — a message I now share with kids every day.
I started coaching when I was 18 and have carried that same passion through every chapter of my life — as a teacher, mom, nanny, ESL instructor, and now, online educator through Outschool.
Through all of it — the wins, the pivots, the messy middle — I kept following one thing: the light.
Lightbulb Journals grew from that journey. Each one invites kids to explore who they are, discover their strength, and keep growing — one page and one lightbulb moment at a time.
You never really know where life will take you — I just kept following the light, and I’m so glad it led me here. My hope is that your child can do the same.
✨ Keep shining,
~ Karla
