Dear Louisa,
It’s been five years. About 900 school days.
I moved to Virginia in the fall of 2014 after getting a job with Louisa County Public Schools. I moved five hours away from home to a place that I visited once for less than 24 hours and only knew one person. I had just graduated and this would be my first teaching position. I was scared, terrified, and excited. Was taking a job five hours away from home where I knew next to no one really a good idea?
Yes. The simple answer is yes.
It has been 36 days since the last day of school. Since I stood in the bus loop and waved goodbye to my students. Since I hugged coworkers who have become family. Since I had to pack up my classroom for the last time. Since I walked out of the doors of Moss-Nuckols. There has been a lot of processing since then. There have been a lot of tears since then. I guess that’s what happens when you work with and befriend some of the best people in the world.
The people.
There have been highs and lows, tears and laughter, seriousness and silliness, happiness and sadness. When times were tough and I was five hours away from home, my Virginia family stepped up to the plate and continued to hit home runs. I can honestly say that without these people, I would have never made it through. You embraced me as I lost a cousin and both of my grandfathers. You let me live in your garage. You taught me how to be a teacher, how to manage behavior, and how to love students with all of my heart. You walked me through how to successfully get my student loans forgiven multiple times. You ran my first half marathon with me. You had dance parties with me. You truly are the best mentors in the world. You started as coworkers, quickly became friends, and ended as an amazing family I never knew I needed.
The kiddos.
I truly have no words. Because of what I teach, I have the gift of teaching students for multiple years. This is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because I am able to see firsthand how these students are improving and making such amazing gains. A curse because saying goodbye is that much more difficult. I know they will continue to show everyone that they can and will do all things. The students that I have had over the past five years have taught me more than I could have ever taught them. They taught me love and patience. They taught me that sometimes you need to just take a break and sit under the table. They taught me that you can dance to the Gummy Bear song and it never gets old. They taught me that it can be hard to make friends but in the end it is always worth it. They taught me that I should love and embrace myself just the way that I am. They have my heart and they always will.
The place.
I leave a piece of my heart in Virginia and I take a piece of Virginia with me as I leave. To each and every single one of you that has been on this journey with me, I truly could never repay you for what you have given me. You have taught me about love, kindness, boldness, compassion, grace, gratitude, and strength. As I begin my new adventure back home in Pennsylvania working at camp and teaching preschool, I take with me everything you have instilled in me. I know that because of you I am a better teacher and most definitely a better person. For that, I am eternally grateful.
Love,
Ms. Weimer