Today was my last mandatory workday at Athens Drive. It was a nice relaxed day, as much of my days have been at school the past week. I had finished up all of my paperwork and stuff before the crazed “end of the school year” came along. So, while a lot of people were panicking about getting all of their stuff finished in time, I could sit back and diligently chop away at my to-do list as I pleased.

We had a breakfast with our department this morning, and then later in the day we had a luncheon for the entire faculty to honor our retiring teachers. We had three teachers retire this year, and it was wonderful to hear each of these experienced teachers stand up and share their wisdom with us as their career came to a close. I had the pleasure of being an in class resource teacher for one of the retirees. It was hard not to cry listening to the stories about her teaching career, and I am very sad to see her leave. Our principal, Mr. Crockett, ended the meeting well by charging our commitment for the next school year.

I’ve only been at Athens Drive for a semester. And I can’t believe it’s over. But with all things that come to an end… new things come along.

I am so excited about my first race this year. This Sunday, in Richmond, VA, I’ll be lining up to compete at the Xterra East Championships. I’m nervous, anxious, a little scared… all the usual first race of the season emotions… but I’m really excited. It’s coming at a perfect time. Right at the end of my school year… before I have much time to think about the fact that I’m done with teaching for a few months, before I have much time to think about what I am going to do with myself over the next few months, before I have much time to think about missing my students… I’m racing. And bring. it. on.

It’s weird to think I’m transitioning back to being a full-time athlete. But the only thing that makes it not weird is that I am only doing this for a few months.

Even though I’m “off” from school over the summer, I will still be going to work a couple days per week to prepare for the next school year. As a special programs teacher, we have a caseload of students that we have to keep up with… and with that responsibility comes a lot of paperwork, meetings, and communication. I’d like to get a head start in being organized with all that stuff for next year, that way I will continue to be able to train and race even into the start of the school year next fall.

Not only am I excited about racing… I’m also looking forward to my new position next year as the Behavior Support Teacher. I’ll be moving and resettling my stuff in to my new classroom over the summer. That’s first on the list (then the caseload stuff). And I have several workshops that I am attending over the summer for Behavior Support Teachers. It’s going to be a lot of fun learning new interventions, ideas, teaching methods, and just meeting new people that all do the same type work that I do in Wake County.

So I feel like I’m closing one door and opening two at the same time. A good feeling. New beginnings… here’s to a good new year.