Tuesday, May 25, 2021

A School Year Reflection #SOSMagic

I finished up my 14th school year last Friday. It was a year like no other, yet it went so much better than what any of imagined. Back in August we were "mantra-ing"--just give us two weeks. We wanted two weeks to introduce ourselves to our new students and establish some sort of relationship before we went virtual, which we just knew was going to happen.

Well, it didn't.

We were face-to-face the entire time (minus 7 days the first of the year plus snow days). Believe it or not, some new due-to-COVID practices we actually found out we liked and will continue next year. These include later and staggered start times, clear backpacks, and one-way hallways.

I am looking forward to summer so that I can reflect, relax, and rejuvenate. And I do not feel bad for wanting those things. This year took its toll on everyone, and there is no room for guilt.


I went in to school yesterday to pack up the rest of my room for summer cleaning. Although the room looks very similar, I am in awe of it’s contrast to last year.

Last year I had a time limit to get in and get out;
this year I lingered with my thoughts and memories.
Last year was full of sadness and fear of the unknown;
this year was full of hope and excitement about what all we accomplished.
Last year was void of goodbyes;
this year was full of pictures and hugs and fun memories.
Last year I walked out with tears;
this year I walked out with a smile!



I’m joining an open community of writers over at Sharing Our Stories: Magic in a Blog. If you write (or want to write) just for the magic of it, consider this your invitation to join us. #SOSmagic

6 comments:

  1. Oh, my, Leigh Anne, what a great news post about the end of your school year. I know it was tough, and I'm happy you get some time to "reflect, relax, and rejuvenate." Yay! Every year we should get some time for these, but this year even more so. I like the format and thoughts in your "Last year / This year" verse. Lovely good news!

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  2. Oh, I'm so glad for your end of the year... in some places not as happy, I'm afraid. the comparison with last year was such a treat. Happy summer, enjoy the slower pace. I love how you see the good in some of the changes and the things that might stay... great positive outlook XO

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  3. Love the way you contrasted last year with this year. I hope you have a relaxing and rejuvenating summer! You deserve it.

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  4. I'm so happy you got to end the year this way. Your reflections are inspiring. I slid into summer down the hill of graduation, and I have needed a minute to get my bearings, but I really want to take some time to reflect too.

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  5. It was quite a year! Thank you for sharing how your year unfolded (and how you found things you liked better). I love how you contrasted last year with this year.

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  6. Happy summer! Those one way hallways sound like a definite keeper. I remember being so afraid for you when you began in school last fall. Your contrast to end of the year in 2020 was remarkable. Now, I hope you're beginning to take deep breaths, sleep later, read more, and relax often. I'll look forward to hearing about your latest reads.

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