It is 3 a.m.
Last night my school celebrated the graduation of 43 high school seniors. It was a lovely, touching ceremony. We laughed, we cried, and we listened to exciting speeches.
Since I work at a charter school, we do not have a large football field to hold graduation. We have a gym, but the current principal decided to find a venue with a formal flair. We found it, and families and the senior class were impressed.
It was a lot of work before the actual two-hour ceremony. The entire week has been a whirlwind of celebrations for the seniors, and while I know they appreciate the events – it has been very tiring for most of us.
Unfortunately, I am awake right now because I feel some regret. After the ceremony, I needed to clean up before going out to mingle with the parents and graduates. Since this was a commercial venue, the house manager handed me a checklist for our facility exit. I looked around the auditorium and noticed only a few junior class volunteers who began stacking the chairs onstage and going through each row to pick up garbage. My colleagues were celebrating with the families and taking photos; I clutched the checklist in my hand and began feeling abandoned.
We had the stuff to remove and throw away, and seniors left “things” in the dressing rooms. My frustration got the best of me, and I marched outside the auditorium and ranted to my principal, who followed up by sending more student volunteers. Three sheet cakes were sitting in the lobby, and the facility staff began cutting the cake (not their job). It was a bit of confusion for me because I was at a loss.
I wanted to celebrate! I wanted to take photos! But, I was taught to take care of business first, then I would have time to take pictures. However, in my little tantrum, some graduates stopped me and said, “I’ve been looking for you! I want a photo with you!”
My heart dropped.
Yes, Lisa. Take the time to appreciate them and love them. Soak up this little time left with the students you have spent so much time with for the last few years. One colleague told me to forget to clean up – and I should have stopped right then, and it would have gotten done. We’re able adults, and we wouldn’t drop the ball.
But, I must say that I had people start to help, and in between, I paused for chats with parents, hugs from students, photos, and parents slipping me envelopes of gratitude.
We got it done. And two of my colleagues joined me at a place downtown for a glass of wine and food. We laughed, talked, and told stories. The music was good, and there was a light rain – the smell of desert rain is so refreshing too. Every frustration about “cleaning up” dissipated, and I felt good.
So why am I up?
My leg hurt, and I began to evaluate my behavior after graduation. I wish I was the person who doesn’t care if things are not getting done – I wish I didn’t worry so much about how people don’t lend a helping hand. I probably do the same thing – I probably don’t ask people how I can help, which is what woke me up at 3. I can’t rest without saying, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me, folks. I didn’t mean to rant, and I hope no senior saw that from me.”
I know I shouldn’t worry, but I do. It’s in my DNA. However, now that I have confessed my little fit and asked for forgiveness, I want to thank everyone who did lend a hand and helped. Those colleagues are genuine and unique – I love them to pieces!
And to the two colleagues that joined me in a bit of food, wine, and music, thank you for the conversation and laughter. They may not read this, but it was a relaxing time. Our discussion also gave me a new outlook on my next move – perhaps a new position.
We shall see.
My leg pain is subsiding. I’m relaxing.
Thank you for reading this. I’ll be OK.
Congratulations, Class of 2023 – I hope you have a successful life and your leg doesn’t hurt.
The Roaring Lioness 