The next great adventure.

"It's no use going back to yesterday because I was a different person then."-Alice in Wonderland

"Hello Fear. Thank you for being here. You're my indication that I'm doing what I need to do." -Cheryl Strayed

"What is happening?" -Me

So you might remember, When I left Farragut and I was devastated and cried for weeks on end and then I found out I was pregnant and cried more and I was just a whole hot mess on the inside but had to fake like I knew what was going on while at work. It was an exhausting time in the beginning because I missed my students, my own kid, my people, my lunchtime and my comfort. 

Then, as it usually does, life happened and I became happier than I ever thought possible as I got to know new kids, new people and new comfort. I am, without a doubt, who I am today in large part because of my time at Powell High School. 

S/O to Clare for the pic!

In July, I found out that I was leaving Powell and moving to Austin East Magnet High School. I was a mixed bag of emotions because I wanted to work with my principal who was moved there, but I knew I would miss being a Panther. 

How lucky to have had something so wonderful that saying goodbye was so hard. I realize that my last 3 years at Powell were challenging and so rewarding and, ultimately,  I will always be grateful for my time there. I can never go back to who I was before because I have changed in ways I never knew possible. I sound like an exaggeration, but it is just the truth. 

The Melissa that I was before DW, AS, CJ, RS, SS....well, she is gone and, luckily, can never resurface. I now see, in a  totally different way than before, the power and opportunity of education. The ability to transform a culture into something different. The real world of many things. I could go on and on, but I won't because it is really too difficult to put into words. 

I am on to my next adventure and while I know change is difficult and starting over is a challenge, I hope that I can learn as much from my new placement as I did at Powell. Here's hoping to sadness at the next move, as well!

Of course I drug Mom & the boys to help me pack my old office. This was, for all purposes, a nightmare.  (Have you met Max??) Somehow I managed to get it all moved out and I only teared up once-when the Graduation coach hugged me.

Because she is amazing, Clare promptly visited me at AE, bringing personalized gifts and candy! I made her take a tour and meet kids and now she knows my new story!

Apparently I am in charge of technology (yes, I laughed , too) and Brandon had to meet me in the parking lot during an off campus meeting to fix my laptop.

If that is not true love, I don't know what is. 

We were in the paper/online article! 

I am glad that they captured me as I usually am, completely serious. 

And a little excited. 

Nicole and this Mr came to visit me, too! Apparently I am an Assistant Principal with an office. 

I am not sure when this title will go away; I am also shocked that there is not a hair brushing requirement. 

I left many, many friend behind, but I did manage to steal Denise who does wonderful things like bring in cake. Yes, she is at AE with us!

Also, I have WINDOWS in my office!

There will be many more posts as I settle into my new home.