A dream that began over fifty years ago came to an end today. When I turned in my keys, I felt invigorated. If only I could have somehow worked up a tear or two, maybe at least it might have looked better to others. After all, I was the dinosaur on campus--one of the longest surviving soldiers in the trenches. Would it not make sense to be sad to leave what had been my "home away from home" for so many years?
Today, my teaching career ended--a career I had dreamed of for many years. Officially, it won't end for another few days, but for me it is over. And I couldn't be happier about it. They said I would know when it was time to go; and beyond the shadow of a doubt, I know that the time was right. Will I miss the students? Of course, I will. Sweet girls spent days writing me notes and drawing posters on notebook paper. Shy boys drew close for a quick hug and to say they wished that I would not leave. The students I will miss, but I am overjoyed to know I never had to attend another faculty meeting or grade another paper, struggle to submit grades before the 4:00 a.m. deadline, or, heaven forbid, rack up professional development hours.
My future is bright with the hope of tomorrow. I will watch cooking shows and do my best to turn out enticing casseroles and quiches. I will read books again, and they will be books that I WANT to read. There will be days that I will sleep until I am darn-well ready to get up, and sometimes I will shop until I drop. Yes, the future is ripe with promise, and I am ready for the harvest.
No comments:
Post a Comment