Next year

So, I finally know what my plans are for next school year. In January, I found out that my counseling position was displaced part time for next year. I had 3 options: 1) drop to part time, 2) Magill part-time & be placed somewhere else part-time (could be elem, middle or high), 3) leave Magill & hope for a counseling position somewhere else full-time (could be elem, middle or high). After much thought I decided option 2. However, life had other plans for me! Nothing part-time ever came up. I had two interviews for full-time positions. One at Duncan Creek Elem (Hamilton Mill area). The interview went great, the school seems wonderful; however, I was not offered that position. Yes, I was discouraged, but I tried to remain positive that something would come up! A week later, I got an email asking me to interview at Anderson-Livsey Elem (Shiloh cluster). I went to the interview; it went well, I felt positive & confident about my abilities. I felt that I would be a good fit for the school. A couple days later, I was offered the position and I accepted it. I will be the only counselor at Anderson-Livsey next year with 700 students - 70% Black, 20% Hispanic, 10% White - in the "Promised Land" community of Gwinnett County. It has a strong history. I want to learn more about the people & the history of the area.

I am excited about the opportunity. I will be able to create my own counseling program; I'll start small & grow. I am nervous about the opportunity too. I will remain in close communication with my counselor friends around the county. I pray for a good working relationship with the administration and teachers. I am looking forward to a school of 700 students, that's half the size of Magill. The first school I taught in, in Warner Robins, had about 700 kids & I loved it.

I am thankful to have a full-time job, with full-time pay. I am ultimately thankful that I'm not split between two schools, because it oftentimes leaves the future unknown about where you will land full-time. This displacement experience is something I never would have chosen for myself, but I have learned a lot. Life is never easy, we can't always predict what life will give us. I tell people that I think God decided I needed a change, so He plucked me up and is dropping me at Anderson-Livsey. I must be needed there, so okay then.

I will be sad to leave Magill - I will miss the people a great deal & the students. Anderson-Livsey will be my 5th school to work in - I've realized that with every new school I go to, there is always a "grieving" of sorts for the school that I leave. My current students don't know that I won't be at Magill next year. I may tell a few of them, but not everyone. My official displacement paperwork is not completed yet; however, I hope that will happen smoothly! I'll be busy packing, moving, and unpacking soon. I'm looking forward to the adventure that comes! For my Magill friends, thank goodness for Facebook, right?!