Saying Goodbye
This week I wrapped up my time at the school and started my new job. Thanks to our massive snowstorm the school district had three snow days—which meant that I missed my scheduled last day.
While my teacher friends were enjoying their third consecutive day on Thursday at home with their families, I started my training as a front desk receptionist. I didn’t (really) know anyone, and the computer program was new. As I sat there at my new desk I reminded myself that it’s been almost four years since I started completely over. Even last year, when I started as a tech assistant, I was at the same school—all I had to learn was a new routine. I didn’t have to learn new names. Training overwhelmed me.
My new supervisor suggested I go back to the school for one last day on Friday, since I didn’t get my Wednesday. She’s a parent at the school and knew how much I will miss my time there. It bummed me out when I thought I wasn’t going to be able to say goodbye, so I was very thankful for the opportunity to go back.
It felt good to back to a job that I excelled at. The school was comfortable. I knew what to do when the phone rang and when a student came in with a question.
Friday flew by. I wasn’t watching the clock, but the hours slipped away from me. I got several hugs and cards from classrooms and my coworkers. A couple fourth graders stopped me in the lunchroom to ask about my new job. As we talked about how a new job didn’t mean moving out of town for me, I realized how much I would miss these conversations with curious questions and honest answers.
You see, I’ve known some of these kids since they where half as tall as they are now. I’ve been listening to their stories and answering their questions for a long time. I know what books they like, what movie they saw last weekend, and what video games they like best.
These teachers, my coworkers and friends, have watched me get my MFA. They’ve seen me after an all-nighter, and they know all about my family. They know I love Star Wars and fantasy books. They know I love sewing and being creative. And I know their husbands and kids. I know them. I know who prefers Diet Pepsi and who drinks Pure Leaf Tea. I know that they love popcorn. It’s funny how much you get to know people after four years. It’s the little things. It’s the good days and the bad days.
4:30 rolled around, and I slipped my name badge off my lanyard and unclipped my keys. I gathered my things and said goodbye to the teachers lingering in the Media Center to make copies. I went to the office to turn in my badge and keys just in time, as my principal was getting ready to leave. We filled out some paperwork. She gave me a final card, the one from all of the staff. She gave me a hug and wished me well.
I went out to my car and opened the card. I cried over the kind things these friends wrote to me. Saying goodbye is hard. Even though I know I’m going to see them all again, it’s hard. I pulled myself together and left the parking lot as an employee for the last time.
I’ve been blessed to work with wonderful kids and excellent educators.
I will miss them all.
It’s time to continue growing, though.
It’s time to learn some new tasks, some new names.
Here’s to new beginnings.
