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January 25, 2010
Today marked the end of an important era in my life.
This is the desk I sat at for years as I planned lessons and graded papers.
This is where I made many Powerpoint presentations for my students, emailed parents, and typed up assignments.
Like many large American high schools today, teachers often have to share rooms because of space constraints. I taught in different classrooms during the day, but always had this office space to come back to.
This is where students could come find me to ask questions about the 14th amendment Due Process Clause or the roles of interest groups in American government.
This is where my colleagues would come to ask me a random question about the Great Lakes or synthetic motor oil or the middle name of Britney Spears’ younger son, and see if I knew the answer.
This is where I brought twelve years of teaching experience to the table, where I talked students down off emotional ledges, where I administered makeup tests, and just last week, where I informed a senior varsity basketball player that he wouldn’t be eligible for the rest of the season because he failed my Law class. Not every moment of teaching is triumphant.
This is where I came when I got up before sunrise each day, where I looked out the window and crossed my fingers that it would snow, where I shut the window when I discovered a hornet’s nest living in the eaves just outside.
This is where I laughed with my friends every day, where I played practical jokes, where I yelled, “NOT IT!” every time the phone rang.
This is where the papers piled up, where the student projects overtook my shelves, where I put my feet up while grading the 180th essay of the day.
This is much cleaner than it normally was.
This is what my office looked like after I finished cleaning it out today.
This is where I turned my head and swabbed at the tears beginning to form, pressing hard so they wouldn’t have time to run down my face.
This is where I hugged the 13 other members of my department, good friends, allies, and talents.
This is where I typed my leave form, letting my supervisors know that I would be taking a hiatus from the classroom at the end of the semester, when students change teachers anyway, and when the impact on my school would be minimal.
This is where I met with my replacement, handing over years and years worth of materials and hard work. Where I talked about how to teach the difference between fiscal and monetary policy.
This is where I said goodbye to an era, the era of High School Teacher.
This desk was my home for a good time, a good long time. This school was my home for more than half of my teaching years.
Today I am mourning the end of an era.
Tomorrow begins a new era, the era of Full Time Yarnista.
Today was hard, but tomorrow will be better.
Full Time Yarnista, I like the sound of that.
read user's comments (38)
January 25th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Congratulations!
January 25th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
WOW! I had been wondering if you were still teaching. I couldn’t imagine how you were managing to do both. Change is always hard - but usually it is for the better. Good luck!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Congrats Sharon! You really are living the American Dream and you deserve every little bit of it! I’m so thrilled for you.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
What a huge step - I’m in awe of your bravery! Good luck and know that we’ll all support you by buying lots of your yarn! Congratulations!
January 25th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
How courageous! Congratulations to you!
May the saddest day of your future be no worse
than the happiest day of your past.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
*sniff*
I think I see a glimpse of the Journey the Blanket is taking you on…. Wrap it ’round you, and know that you have our support as you take such a huge step.
I’m sure you’ll never know the lives that you touched as a teacher, the difference you made for countless students, but I’m also sure it is many more than you imagine.
“Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
January 25th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
As a fellow teacher, I salute your years of service… and full-time Yarnista sounds pretty darn good.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
I don’t know how you were doing both Yarning and teaching! Congrats on the move, to you and to we who love your yarn.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
You forgot some stuff. That’s also the room where you impacted hundreds of lives. It’s the room where you planned the seeds that you would plant in young minds, some of whom will grow up to nurture those seeds and use that knowledge in a relevant and useful way. Some will just hang on to those facts to amaze thier friends and coworkers with one day in thier own offices.
And that desk is clearly too small for you. Couldn’t you have had a taller desk?
You are wonderful.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Sharon - I think I need to just follow Trisha around and say “yeah, what she said!”
You have made a difference to so many students, and I while I am proud that you will be a full-time Yarnista because it is such a big step for your business (and I can say “I knew her when!”…), I am sad with you for the end of an era.
Goodbye, High School Teacher. Hello, Full Time Yarnista.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Man. Trisha takes all of the good lines.
Congratulations on the move from one dream to another!
January 25th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
*sniffle*
Wow, Sharon…..
I’m sad to think of the kids who will miss out on having you as a teacher, but think its amazing how many you must have touched over your years in the classroom, and that you’ve reached a place in Yarnista-ing that you can do it full time!
Congratulations on taking a big, brave step forward!
January 25th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
Congrats on such an important landmark. What a wonderful bittersweet moment!
January 25th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
It must have been extremely difficult for you to leave a profession that you have been so dedicated to. Yet, I know that you are moving into a new phase of your life that will bring you much joy and creative expression. This is such a huge step forward for you and your business. Brava to you for following your dream! I wish you amazing success.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Wow!! Congratulations to you on moving from one phase of your life and on to another. If your teaching was anywhere as amazing as your creativity in yarn dyeing they will be missing out. However I am thrilled for you that you are able to make this move!!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
Congratulations Sharon. I brag about you to anyone who listens and I am proud to call you my full time Yarnista. I’ll take 2 please
January 25th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
Sharon, reading your blog makes me giggle hysterically or have a good cry. 2 guesses what I’m doing now.
I too, salute your service. And you *are* wonderful!
Hiphip Hooray, Yarnista Hooray!
January 26th, 2010 at 1:26 am
WOW what a big step! I bet you spent many sleepless nights over this decision. Being a full time Yarnista is going to be fun but I feel your sadness at leaving your teaching job! I too,am in awe. Here is a great-BIG-bear hug from me to you(((( ))))). We ?love? you!!!!
January 26th, 2010 at 6:48 am
Wow! Good for you for taking this leap! I know how hard it is to leave good friends, and students that you care deeply about and the security of what is to come everyday, but you will find that fullfillment in other areas. Hey, you can teach dyeing lessons!!!
We are excited to have your yarn in RI that’s for sure!
Marissa
January 26th, 2010 at 7:19 am
This made me cry. I think you have inherited my “dangerously allergic to change” gene. (Isn’t there an epi-pen for that yet?) I’m sorry for you and more sorry for your students, co-workers and school. I am also so proud of you. And excited about the future.
January 26th, 2010 at 8:07 am
Congratulations! Aren’t you brave to make that change - I know it will be a positive one!
January 26th, 2010 at 8:14 am
Enjoy!
January 26th, 2010 at 8:30 am
Congratulations! Hooray Yarnista!
January 26th, 2010 at 10:58 am
Wait, I’m kinda new here, but I cannot believe you’ve been doing the Yarnista thing AND teaching?!? Are you superwoman?
To see someone who loved the teaching so much makes me smile. Good teachers are a foundation for our country’s future. Thank you for your years of work and commitment to the future of our kids.
And full time Yarnista sounds awesome.
January 26th, 2010 at 11:48 am
goodness knows we need more teachers like you but thanks for all your hard work in both departments! how many people get to make such an impact in one let alone two professions? yay you!
January 26th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Congratulations, Sharon!
Firstly for waking up at 7:30.
Secondly for being such an awesome teacher.
Thirdly for being such a lovely Yarnista to us.
Lastly for being the sweetest FTY ever
January 26th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
I am not sure how such a creative woman functioned in that cold space. I am so glad that you are able to make this change in your life and explore the artistic side of your soul. May your success be as bountiful as your gift and your kindness in sharing it.
January 26th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Wow! My heart skipped a beat for you. As someone who left a job where she felt very fulfilled and useful for one that is a different kind of fulfillment (full time mom), I send you my hugs and support.
Welcome to our Full Time Yarnista!
January 26th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Every ending is a new beginning.
Congratulations on your success at both efforts.
January 26th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Full time yarnista! Fantastista!
January 26th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
I’m so happy for you! Indulging in Yarnista creativity full time - how fabulous is that!? Transitions are very hard… I was in tears at the end of your post… but it’s so great you can devote yourself full-time to a creative pursuit that you love.
January 26th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
Full time Yarnista! Live the dream, baby! I know it was a hard decision to make and I, for one, am thrilled you chose the Yarnista business. Now we don’t have to worry so much about your wearing yourself out with overworking.
January 26th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
This is the end of the term for me and I’m still correcting…you are my HERO!!!!!
January 26th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Congrats Madame Yarnista! I’m so very proud of you and pleased for you!
January 26th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Love you Sharon! Great post! It’s gonna be a great era! Your work is a blessing, wherever you do it! Thanks for the tear-jerking, too, geez, my husband thinks I’m a dork.
January 26th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
High School’s loss is our gain. Sometimes what you need to do is to take that courageous step knowing that there isn’t necessarily a safety net under you. We’re still in awe of you and respect you and admire you. Your previous struggles and triumphs have marked you in a way that the dye never will. You made your mark in one sphere, and now you’re leaving your mark on a group of similarly unruly (but better behaved) students. But at least we appreciate art class. Long live the Yarnista.
January 27th, 2010 at 5:27 am
The comments of those you’ve taught here show how much you’ve impacted so many lives. As you know, I’ve learned a lot from you and you’ve helped me through a difficult time in my life.
I know the bittersweet feelings of leaving those you have come to love, a second family with many kids.
You have lived this quote:
“Make you the world a bit better
For you have lived in it.”
Edward Bok
If you’re ever in Florida, Bok Tower Gardens are great. You’ll learn a lot. ;-)) Tell me if you go because I live about an hour from there.
January 31st, 2010 at 9:43 pm
I’m behind on my blog reading, but I just wanted to wish you well as you take this step into full-time Yarnistahood! I’m sure it is a bittersweet thing. And honestly, I am stunned that you were still teaching! I had no idea you were still teaching…for all you do, I just assumed you were already a full-time Yarnista! You are truly superwoman!!