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"allow it to end with grace and an open mind for a new day" -Brendon Burchard

 Full quote: 

It's official--my close of service (COS) date is July 5, 2025, which means I have less than 6 months left!  I know that a lot of volunteers talk about how hard it is to think about leaving and returning home.  I am definitely not one of these volunteers.  Don't misunderstand me--I am deeply thankful for this experience and I remain glad that I did this.  I have learned so much about so many things, including myself.   But simultaneously, I am feeling very, very ready to be done.  There are a multitude of reasons, most of which are best left unsaid in this forum.  

I remain deeply commited to being present and finishing my projects.  There are still roadblocks beyond my control holding up a big part of the library project.  While I really want to see these pieces come to fruition, I've also made peace with the fact that they might not get done before I leave.  It's the reality of the situation and I've done everything I could possibily do to make things happen.  

It's been a chaotic 1st week back to school, but it has been great to work with my students again.  Some of them have made some significant strides this year--that progress and the relationships I've build with students across the school are what bring me joy.  I hope you are finding your joy in the new year!  💓

PS apologies for the misleading photo appearing on FB with this post--that is a picture of my favorite tree in the whole world taken while I was in WI last month.  It was that or just the link to the blog--I think this is better, lol. 

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