ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Leticia Crawford has a love for teaching that spans more than 20 years. She currently teaches VPK students at Gates and Bridges Learning Academy.

“The enjoyment of the kids, getting to meet different families, it’s just a passion that I’ve always had since I was a child," said Crawford. “I count my blessings and I thank God every single day that I was able to return back into teaching."

Crawford had to take a break from teaching in 2021 when she was hospitalized with COVID-19.

“I ended up with COVID, pneumonia, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. I went from being on three different levels of oxygen in ICU and also told that I needed to find someone to make my life decisions," said Crawford.

She spent two weeks in the hospital. When she got out, her doctor told her life was not going to be the same and she was going to have to learn how to live again. Since then, she has been working to recover. Last January, she was able to return to teaching.

Crawford says she's thankful to be back doing what she loves.

“The love that they give back in return and that shows what they’re learning and everything, that I’m not here just to be here I’m here for an impact on their life," said Crawford.

In addition to teaching, Crawford also runs a business on the side called Cimplicity Designs. She creates custom items like T-shirts and keepsakes.