Thursday, December 18, 2014

Bittersweet Excitement

Back in 1991, I started my teaching experience at Broughton High School, working with ninth graders. From that point, I worked in Currituck County teaching 7th grade social studies and language arts, Lenior County (7th grade social studies), Pitt County (6th grade science and language arts), Henderson County (7th grade science), and Johnston County (7th grade science, social studies, and language arts).

When I received my Master's of Library Science in 2006, I found myself working at the elementary school level. Although I had never pictured myself working with young children (as opposed to adolescents), I am truly an adaptable person and loved my job.

Now, I am about to begin the job I have hoped for: the media coordinator at a high school!

Leaving my current school is bittersweet: you never know how much you will be missed until you are leaving. This week I have had a lot of different things happen. Some highlights:

...A kindergarten student drawing a picture of his favorite thing in the library drew...me! He even made sure he drew the flowers on my glasses and, happily, told me he was making sure he gave me legs and feet...

...A third grader has made sure she has come in every day to give me "one more hug" before I go...

...My broadcast crew insisted I stay away from the broadcast room because they wanted to show me they could do it all by themselves...and naturally they did a phenomenal job...

...Several parents came in to tell me how much I've meant to their children. One father, especially, talked about several different things that have happened over the years and left me with the statement that the school has been made better by my working there...

I am very touched by all of the warm wishes and sweet gestures.

On the flip side, I have received messages from some staff at my new school welcoming me! January 2nd is right around the corner and I'll be in my new media center!