Another "Last"
Today I attended my last official Principals' Meeting for GCCISD. It felt strangely euphoric as I listened to the issues being discussed and knew that I would not have to deal with them come August. One of my colleagues accused me of being absolutely giddy. I must agree that I felt that way.
Another retiring principal and I were "roasted" by our supervisors before being presented with a lovely gift of recognition for our years of service. As I listened to the "incidents" of my career recalled by my peers I had to laugh with the group. Especially when I was presented with a pair of suspenders to hold my skirt up. That was given in remembrance of the time my skirt literally fell off while I was teaching second grade. As I recall, that happened during year 2 or 3 of my career in Goose Creek, and through the years I have never been able to live that one down. Someone always remembers and mentions it. The best part is that whoever brings it up always mentions that I seized it as a teachable moment to tell all of the little girls that now they could see why it was important to always wear a slip! Of course, if I am wearing a skirt when the story is told I always have to prove that I still wear a slip. Someone asked me about it after the meeting today, and I was able to slightly lift the hem of my skirt and verify that ,yes, I still wear a slip!
As my final days of work are quickly coming to a close I realize what a very special time in my life the past 17 years have been. During that time our children have graduated from school, married (quite happily), and I have been blessed with two beautiful grandchildren. I went back to school, earned my Master's Degree and Administrator Certification, became an assistant principal and then a principal. All of that while staying married to the love of my life, Skip. The combination of personal and professional goals that have been met are strong reminders that I can do nothing without God and the saving grace of Jesus.
I have always tried to share my faith and beliefs to as great an extent as I legally could in my professional life, and I know in several instances I have been an influence for good. It is so very true that God will guide you and that with his watering you can bloom where you are planted. I have also come to realize that his pruning, though painful at times, has allowed me to be a better servant for him.
Now I look forward to the next opportunities he will place before me. How can I not be excited?! What awaits me? Where will he lead me? How can I serve him more? I'll keep you posted as I discover the answers.
(By the way, the latest book I am reading is Leaving the Saints by Martha Beck. (Sorry, but I don't know how to underline. Let me know if anyone reading this knows how to do that.) I am about half way through the book, and it is very interesting. I saw her on TV doing an interview and was curious to read her book. She shares some interesting facts about the Mormon church.)
Another retiring principal and I were "roasted" by our supervisors before being presented with a lovely gift of recognition for our years of service. As I listened to the "incidents" of my career recalled by my peers I had to laugh with the group. Especially when I was presented with a pair of suspenders to hold my skirt up. That was given in remembrance of the time my skirt literally fell off while I was teaching second grade. As I recall, that happened during year 2 or 3 of my career in Goose Creek, and through the years I have never been able to live that one down. Someone always remembers and mentions it. The best part is that whoever brings it up always mentions that I seized it as a teachable moment to tell all of the little girls that now they could see why it was important to always wear a slip! Of course, if I am wearing a skirt when the story is told I always have to prove that I still wear a slip. Someone asked me about it after the meeting today, and I was able to slightly lift the hem of my skirt and verify that ,yes, I still wear a slip!
As my final days of work are quickly coming to a close I realize what a very special time in my life the past 17 years have been. During that time our children have graduated from school, married (quite happily), and I have been blessed with two beautiful grandchildren. I went back to school, earned my Master's Degree and Administrator Certification, became an assistant principal and then a principal. All of that while staying married to the love of my life, Skip. The combination of personal and professional goals that have been met are strong reminders that I can do nothing without God and the saving grace of Jesus.
I have always tried to share my faith and beliefs to as great an extent as I legally could in my professional life, and I know in several instances I have been an influence for good. It is so very true that God will guide you and that with his watering you can bloom where you are planted. I have also come to realize that his pruning, though painful at times, has allowed me to be a better servant for him.
Now I look forward to the next opportunities he will place before me. How can I not be excited?! What awaits me? Where will he lead me? How can I serve him more? I'll keep you posted as I discover the answers.
(By the way, the latest book I am reading is Leaving the Saints by Martha Beck. (Sorry, but I don't know how to underline. Let me know if anyone reading this knows how to do that.) I am about half way through the book, and it is very interesting. I saw her on TV doing an interview and was curious to read her book. She shares some interesting facts about the Mormon church.)
posted by Nellie @ 7:17 PM
1 Comments:
At 10:33 PM,
Mary Lou said…
Nell I'm so glad that you are "giddy" about retirement. You sound so happy and like you've set a heavy load down. Congratulations for making it through that milstone. Yes, You have had some great achievements both professionally and personally. I have always thought you were grounded well in your faith. I also look forward to where God will take you next.
ML
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