Mindful-fun-da-mentals

Explorations of mind, paths, and life

Last Day…

Posted on August 8, 2011 - Filed Under self reflect, teaching, thoughts

Today I wrapped up my Orlando working life – driving as usual from one thing to the next – in an effort to make room for a very new working life in Largo-Palm Harbor-Spring Hill.  It was sort of an uneventful, unemotional, almost disappointing working day (with smatterings of “wrapping up” everything ELSE and I must say that the Artist Way part of my day NEVER disappoints; goodbye to that too). No good-byes from the college other than a few people who knew me personally enough to recognize me. I had to find a few myself to say farewell. No one really hugged me (other than Daphnie – gracious woman that she is, and a few fabulous students). I wrote my own farewell letter to the school, appropriately noting what little recognition adjuncts get for the impact they have on the students and school daily, and thanking the school for exposing me to a population of students that has met my need for mattering in the world. A few instructors popped in to thank me for the note, a few students hugged me with full pouty lips, and then I drove away – I drove away wondering how it is that I could invest so much of myself, be a highly requested instructor, and yet never get a thank you from the college after almost nine years. Yep, I guess it did hurt a bit. What I know is that I HAVE had an impact, and I did matter in my classroom, for a good run, and ultimately the students, the ones who really matter in the game of education, are the ones who get to carry that experience with them, as I have with regard to all of them.

So, to note the day in my life, my Goodbye Letter (minus the school’s name):

“Hi —- family – I just wanted to take a few moments to share a goodbye with a college community I have been working with for the majority of my time in Florida. I have taken a position as a Program Director on the west coast of Florida at a small career college. The last few weeks have been filled with moving and transitioning, changes and goodbyes. However, it felt sad not to say goodbye to —-.

It has been a pleasure to be an adjunct instructor for —-‘s students for over eight and a half years. As an adjunct, the recognition is not the same as it is with full time staff whose faces are regularly in the halls, however the students and a core of Department Chairs and staff have reminded me of my significance to the learning culture at —-; and in turn given me a “place” within the lives of many many students. I have been deeply impacted by the students here, and will miss being part of their learning process and experience. I wish I could extend this good bye to them as well – as I have grown as an educator through my experiences with them, and I know I have had a tremendous impact on their own growth.

Thank you for the experience, the chance to be involved in adult education, and the confidence that has kept me moving year after year. I am excited about the new challenges and new population of students, and want also to acknowledge how —- has helped me move forward.

Warmly, Evelyn
—- Adjunct Instructor

Comments

3 Responses to “Last Day…”

  1. Ruby on August 9th, 2011 9:16 pm

    Hija mia,

    It is so inspiring to read your post and see the growth expressed in your feelings of self appreciation and value, but in the other hand, you felt unappreciated by those you valued and believed in their friendship as co-workers. I am absolutely convinced you will live in the heart of those students who valued you as a woman, a teacher, a friend. My teachers, those who made a difference in my life, are still making a difference. Your love for teaching means you love to give it all expecting nothing more than the fruit of what you planted in each and everyone of those kids. They will never forget Mrs. D. The reaction of the staff can be disappointment that you left.
    The hands that drove off, they seemed to be strong and sure of the direction they are driving to. Be at peace and full of joy for the job well done. Look at all the goodness and leave the unpleasant behind where it belong. It is not real, but you are.

  2. Craig Monroe on September 6th, 2011 5:00 pm

    I for one would like to thank you for being an instructor at IADT and can honestly say that I enjoyed your classes and the discussions we all had during them. They helped me to think a little different about how I viewed myself and the world around me. They were undoubtedly some of the best classes and I wish you well on whatever you decide to do in the future.

    Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance say goodbye in person but please know that even though I didn’t have many of your classes or run into you outside of them that I definitely consider you on of the best instructors ever and a favorite. It truly sucks that you felt unappreciated by some of these around you but I know for a fact that many of my friends feel the same as I do. We appreciated you very much.

    Goodbye, Mrs. D.

  3. Evelyn on September 7th, 2011 11:07 am

    Thank you Craig! <3 I know students appreciated me – that is what I held on to in my life during my time there. I so deeply appreciate the comment, and your encouragement. I am finding my new job challenging in good ways. I feel appreciated and recognized here. That is lovely. I can also say that my clients outside of the college also made sure I knew that I was important to them. I will truly miss all the students who have been in my life! keep me up to date on your own progress!