The words we all heard the other day form the Governor were tough to hear, "School will be closed for the remainder of the year". I think most of us knew that was coming but reality sets in when you hear it officially announced. I keep thinking back to the day, March 13th, when Mr. Turner called us down to the commons to tell us we were closing down for three weeks. That in itself was a shock but didn't really hit home. I left the school with all the material I thought I would need for the next three weeks and cleaned up the office a little bit. I figured that maybe this virus thing is getting serious so we probably should stay away from each other for awhile. I remember driving home and looking at the empty fields and the hope and promise of spring around the corner. I believe even the trees were starting to bud and giving us all hope that warmer weather and nicer days were just around the corner. I started to think about all the things that I have to do at the end of the year that I might have to do from home. I knew I usually start our scheduling about this time. I needed to make sure all the seniors kept up on the scholarship applications, act testing, college applications, etc. I started to get overwhelmed but than I said to myself, it's only three weeks. When I get back to school I will meet with the students and make sure they are aware of all the things seniors do at this "time of year".This time of year. What an awesome time this usually is for seniors. They are finishing up their final year of school and looking forward to college, going out and making some "real" money or maybe serving our country in the military. I have always enjoyed this time of year. The seniors start to realize that they are finished. I saw many students with tears in their eyes because they were going to miss Vantage, or maybe they were scared about facing the "real world". Either way, they always seem to get closer this time of year. Whether they just want to talk or they want the year to last just a little bit longer, it is an exciting time. It certainly can be a sad time, knowing that I probably won't see many of them anymore. They promise they will be back but they get busy with their careers, away at college and even raising families. I understand that. That is why I enjoy our Open House night. That may be the first time I see a former student since they graduated. It is so great to catch up on what they have been doing and maybe even get to see their new wife or child. So knowing that I may not see the student for awhile or maybe never, the last month has always been a good time to pull up a chair in lab or at the lunch table and have our final goodbyes and laughs. I get to talk to them about their hopes and dreams. To let them know how much they have impacted my life. It is also a time I use to thank them for choosing Vantage and for getting the most out of their time here. I remind them that you are now part of our family.
I won't have that one on one time this year but I can try to do my best on this blog. I realize that with the Governors announcement, it impacted each and everyone of you in different ways. I know your senior year is not "normal". Spring sports are postponed as well as proms. Graduation parties probably will not be happening or at least on a smaller scale. Hopefully every school figures out a way to have a graduation ceremony. However, I still want all of you to know that I am proud of you and your accomplishments. There are so many great students that have accomplished so much in their two years at Vantage. I think of all the awards and certifications in your programs. I think of all the skills that you have learned and the many projects that you have completed in your labs. Continue to work hard the rest of your life and be a leader wherever you go. Take chances and make smart choices. I know that all of you are way too young to remember a song by Diamond Rio, "One more day". I realize the song is about something much deeper than the closing of our schools but there are a few lines in the song that I think have some special meaning as to how I feel right now. They go like this:
Last night I had a crazy dream
A wish was granted just for me
It could be for anything
I didn't ask for money
Or a mansion in Malibu
I simply wished for one more day with you!
I truly wish I had one more day with all of you students. I didn't realize that when you walked out the door on March 13th, that I wouldn't see you again this year. I guess we never know what tomorrow holds. I hope one thing we all learn is that nothing is guaranteed. Take each day with all the gusto you can and treat each other with kindness, compassion and love. Maybe if we are blessed, we will get one more day.
