A Note from Florinda Freda, SEI Reading Interventionist
Posted on 06/12/2019
Dear Parents and Staff,
I have been writing this letter in my head for the last several weeks now. I am finally ready to write it down.
As you know it is my time to retire and pass the torch over to the next generation. It will also be a time for me to reflect on the last 33 years and share the many stories with my family.
Teaching has been a calling for me and I have truly loved this work. I have always felt honored to have learned from each of my students every year. They have guided my teaching and taught me lessons I wasn't even aware I needed to learn. My students were my greatest teachers.
In preparing to close this chapter of my life, I have had this feeling inside of me that reminds me very much of the feeling I had when my own children prepared to leave home to go off to college. For our new parents, it is very much like the first day you leave your child at the door of their jr or kindergarten classroom. It isn't just one feeling... it's all the feelings that come with major life transitions. Joy, Fear, Sadness, Excitement, A sense of loss and a sense of anticipation for my next adventures.
My practice will be to embrace all of these feelings and emotions and live fully in the moment.
As I go through my files, binders from classes I have taught, and student work, so many vivid memories and distinct images pop into my mind and touch my heart. It is quite amazing what we are capable of holding onto in our hearts. The most surprising thing has been that, even though teaching wasn't always easy especially when it is thrown into the juggling act of life, the memories I hold are all happy ones. Even the hardest years and challenging moments hold great value to me now.
So as we get through the next few busy weeks, remember that every day has the possibility of being a memory maker and every student has the capability of being our teacher if we allow them to be.
I want to thank you for your part in my journey. I will forever hold you all in my heart.
With gratitude,
Florinda