The landscape of teaching is one of constant evolution, and nowhere is this more evident than in my own experiences as a substitute teacher. My journey through the educational system has led me to a crossroads: to maintain an approachable, friendly persona, or to adopt a sterner, more formal demeanor in the face of shifting student behaviors. It's a candid exploration of how the subtleties of respect and discipline play out in the modern classroom, and the internal debate that rages within any educator who has felt their kindness mistaken for weakness. As a volleyball coach, the parallels between coaching and teaching are striking, and they've offered me unique insights into how authority, when wielded with care, can be the cornerstone of both leadership and learning.