Written by Holly Bell, Former Director of First Impressions.
WELCOME BACK!!!
I cannot wait to see you when we return to school in a few weeks. Every year, in the fall, I continue to be constantly AMAZED at the changes that have happened since our paths last crossed. Some people have grown sooooo tall (compared to me) and some people have had such fantastic adventures that they are not the same person who just took a summer break. Some people have dyed their hair, or gotten their driver’s license! Some people might seem like nothing has changed, but even if you are feeling that way, I’m wondering if it can really be true. Time has passed and events have happened. The world has changed since we last saw each other.
There’s a saying about how the only thing constant in life is change. For better or worse, it’s true. I’m thinking that the secret is in how we respond to change - how much resilience we have - what can we learn from the change - how we approach the difference. I’ve found it’s helpful to look at change as growth - for others, and for us.
When you return to school, you might notice some changes - even in the jobs that people are doing now that they weren’t doing in June. Here’s a tiny slice of what you’ll see: shout-out to Amanda Erickson in our Elementary wing. Amanda taught art (and worked in Big Canoe) here previously - before going on a new adventure for her - and she has returned, stepping into the position of being the assistant to the elementary program director (the job that Derek did last year). Derek is still here! He has taken on a different role and is now working as one of our two Dean of Students (Shout-out to Alexis who is our other Dean of Students. She is still here!). Don’t worry, Matt is still here! He’s the Director of Student Services, instead of the Dean of Students. Some guides have moved on and you’ll see some new faces in those jobs. The majority of staff members are still here.
When my children were young (faithful readers of past Holly’s Huddles have already heard this), we moved every couple of years, following their father’s/my husband’s rise in the hierarchy of arena management. When I was young, moves to different towns were much less frequent, and were not the best time. As a mom, I wanted to change that for my children. There were things I could not change (like the fact that we were moving), but the way we looked at our moves (our attitudes), could be different from how I had previously considered them. My children and I approached those frequent moves with a sense of adventure. I called them “vacations with furniture.” There were whole new experiences waiting for us, whole new lands to explore, many new friends to make. Our change of address was inevitable - our individual learning/growth of character was up to us. We tried to make the most of the opportunities, and there were, of course, some tough times we grew through, too.
Speaking of change, I want you to know that my job has also changed. I’m going to be working at Great River School as the Business Coordinator, paying our bills. I am still here! Someone else (undetermined at the time of this writing) will be covering the front desk. I’m still here! And though I’ll be working in the front office instead of in front of the front office, I’ll still be interested in YOUR life! How was your summer? What was your favorite part? What are you working on now? How can I help you?
Here’s my personal challenge… I am such a people-person, as you know. I remember that in my teens I dreamed of becoming a hermit when I grew up. I changed! I like people now! So my current challenge is figuring out how I’ll pay our school bills while not being at the front desk to see you every moment of your time passing through the orange lobby. I feel like my identity is wrapped up in the front desk, as the Director of First Impressions. An unexpected door just recently opened up and I had to make a choice about growing into a new opportunity here. I don’t know who I’ll be if I’m not at the front desk. And that is ok. It’s a little scary, but ok. I’m a little nervous and that’s part of growth. It’s ok. I will have some tough times to work through. And even THAT is ok. Maybe, if you happen to reflect on this writing when we see each other at school, you might give me some reassurance by saying, “Hey!” I want to see you at the front door each morning before school starts, even though I won’t be on the other side of the window. We can still greet each other to start our day(s)! And, for those of you who are in the elementary grades, we can greet each other in the hallways… please, and thank you!
My hope is that we’ll rally around to welcome the person who will be sitting at the front desk. They deserve the same chance you gave me when we first met and neither of us knew what to expect. And, remember: #Iamstillhere! And, I am interested in how your life is going. I will continue to go to school events like sports, theater, and concerts, etc. We will still see each other at school. Let’s support each other through all of the transitions of a new school year. Embrace the difference! We’ve got this - together! I can’t wait to see you!
On we go,
Holly
