Life choices

Most people make many decisions in their adult lives. Some of them are major life choices, but most are very minor day to day decisions. I was raised by a single mother, who is very strong willed and independent. She's also very controlling. She always means well but she forgets that its my life and I have to make my own choices, even if they are bad, I must live with the consequences.
Unfortunately I rarely stand up for myself. Always the people pleaser, I try to maintain peace in my family. One of the major life choices that I never have regretted making was my choice in a career.
Many Haitian immigrants work in the medical field. My mother didn't have the opportunity to get any medical training. She worked in maintenance at a college for many years. The job was a stable one and we always had what we needed but she was always embarrassed about what she did and she wanted better for us. From the time I was twelve, I was told I was going to be a nurse. I accepted this fate. When I was asked what I wanted to do when I grew up, I always said "be a nurse". Unfortunately deep down inside I wanted to be an author, or a chef.
When I was a junior in high school, I was enrolled in an licensed practical nursing program part time. I hated it. It was that year I also realized I wanted to become a teacher. I came up with a conclusion, maybe I could teach nursing. But deep down inside, I knew I couldn't teach what I hate.
I really sucked at clinical, I was afraid of doing some of the procedures. And I wasn't really interested in what we learned in class about the body and diseases. Surprisingly, I made it through the program, passed the nursing boards and got my license the same year I graduated high. That fall, I was enrolled in an RN program at a local community college.
I knew I was put on this earth to teach. I missed the secondary school environment. I was also very interested in studying history. The nursing program was science heavy and really didn't interest me. I knew I had to stand up to my mom. I lost several nights sleep worrying how she would feel when I told her I was going to change my major. I knew I could never enjoy a career in nursing. One afternoon, I spilled the beans and told her I was an inspiring teacher. "Do whatever will make you happy" she said. And I did just that.
My career in education hasn't always been a walk in the park, but I never regret my choice. I love what I do. People marvel at the connection I have with my students, this was one of the best choices I have ever made.
But lately I have been wanting to make another life choice. I need to leave the religion I was raised in. It's a very high controlling group. I don't agree with the doctrines. I don't know how much longer I can continue being a part of it. I'm proud of my 18 year old self who knew the choices of others were not always good for me. If I leave my religious group my friends and family may shun me, and ill be an embarrassment to them. But I must remember this is about me, not them. I have to make a stand, and I have a feeling it will be soon.