When People Leave Us

Summary

The article reflects on the profound sadness experienced when a beloved and inspiring principal, Misty, decides to leave, despite the expectation of high turnover rates in the education sector.

Abstract

The author expresses a deep sense of loss and sadness over the departure of a principal named Misty, who is described as young, energetic, compassionate, and smart. The author acknowledges that while many people come and go in our lives without much notice, there are some whose absence leaves a significant void. Misty's upcoming departure prompts a sense of nostalgia and comparison with past principals who were also missed when they moved on. The author contrasts the high turnover in education leadership with the past stability of having principals who served for decades, and reveals that the anticipation of the next school year is dampened by the prospect of Misty's office being occupied by someone new.

Opinions

The author feels a profound sadness due to the departure of the principal, despite her not being a family member or a close personal friend.
The principal's positive attributes, such as her youth, energy, compassion, and intelligence, are highly valued by the author and contribute to the sense of loss.
There is an appreciation for the impact a good leader can have, as the principal made the author want to give their best.
The author reflects on the changing nature of the education sector, noting the high turnover rate in leadership compared to the past.
The departure of the principal leaves the author with a sense of nostalgia for past colleagues and a diminished enthusiasm for the future without her.
The article suggests that the emotional impact of a colleague's departure can be significant, even if the relationship is primarily professional.

Can I be so sad about a colleague moving on?

Sometimes we are overcome with sadness when we find out someone is leaving and are not even sure why we are so sad. The person who left us is not a husband/wife, lover, friend, or soul mate. We are not sobbing, mourning, or crushed.

Yet there is this profound sadness. I will never see her smile again, never hear her cheerful voice again, and never again hear her say, “Hey, why don’t you come in for a chat?” She will leave, and there will be a void.

So many people come into our lives and leave again, and sometimes we barely notice. Then there are those who will be missed, with people huddled together wondering what happened. She must have had a reason.

It is not even so unusual these days. Turnover in education is huge. I was hoping this principal would stay. She is young, energetic, compassionate, and smart — everything a principal should be and more. She makes you want to give your best.

We had another principal like this once and he, too, left us — and left us wondering.

I remember the first two decades as a teacher. The staff aged together, teaching 35 years or more at the same school. They still get together and have lunch, and someday soon I will join them. I had three principals in those two decades, former teachers and coaches in the district.

In the last 13 years, I had six principals; now Misty is leaving, too, and I am just sad. I even look forward a little less to the next school year when her office will be occupied by someone else.