We Came Here to Run It!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Recently I was thinking about my time at Crossett Brook.  I am finishing up my 16th year here, and it struck me, when I was reflecting, that each year I continue to grow in my own personal journey - getting older (and hopefully a little wiser) but that sometimes it feels like you all are a bit frozen in time.  In reality, you aren't of course, 'cause you are all growing, learning, and changing each day too...

but...maybe it's hard to explain...

...every June one group of students leaves, and come August, the cycle of 5th-8th grade starts all over again.  There are new names, and new faces in new roles, but the constants of how tweens and teens develop and grow haven't changed too much over the years, hence the feeling of time standing still around me while I continue to move forward.  

I have to be careful...I have to remind myself often of how unique you all are, and of how each of you comes to me - to us - for this short time in your lives with different stories, goals, dreams, visions, and destinations.  I think it's one of the many things I have enjoyed about writing this blog over the past 14 months.  I get to remind you of your uniqueness, and I have a chance to remind myself to encourage and embrace that in each of you.

I've been watching the new Pink documentary on Amazon the last couple of days (please check in with your parents or caregivers before you view it,  as Pink's rock and roll language is not always appropriate for all audiences) but, her messaging of acceptance of others, and most importantly self, rings loud and clear throughout the documentary and her personal story.  I always hope that the behind-the-scenes look at an icon who is inspiring and influencing others is genuine, but whatever her private story is, from outward appearances, she encourages her staff and her fans alike to be themselves.  To tap into their strengths and passions.  To appreciate their gifts, to embrace their uniqueness, and to never be ashamed of who and what they are.      

When I was watching I was personally able to tap into thoughts about why I do what I do.  This then connected me back to the appreciation I have for the ability to influence and support young people year after year in my sort of "frozen-in-time" existence.  So thank you all for being part of my slice in time this year!  To the 8th grade students, I am so blown away, as always, with how much you have grown and changed since you walked through our doors four years ago.  I wish you luck and look forward to hearing snippets about your future as you continue to grow ('cause I'm not going anywhere for now)! To you 5th, 6th, and 7th, grade students, I hope you've learned something this year that you can apply to the next year and to the years beyond.  'Cause, you came here to run it, and you are just getting started!  

(What would my post be without a little Pink song to tie it all together?)

No one can be just like you, Cougars!

Have a great day!

Mrs. Hempey

(This sort of felt like a "last post" didn't it?  We'll not yet.  I'll keep going for a couple more weeks at least! 😉)