Residue becomes Weight: Departures and Arrivals

This is dedicated to every educator, who packs their bags, peruses the map and continually, journeys to new places. Ventures off the beaten path, sits down with the locals and swaps stories. The teachers that see the climb as beneficial and the setbacks of travel as opportunities to take detours. These educators are the wonders of the world, the world heritage sites and every moment of awe, as we make our way across the globe of learning. Thank you. 

Departures and Arrivals

Arrivals and departures are constant. We may not be standing in an airport terminal or a train station, but the daily shifts of entry and exit are continual. We often feel rushed to make our getaway, to step clear, of the outgoing bustle. But, eventually our minds slow and roll into the gate, leaving us at our destination- the end of the day. We are constantly taking off, coffee in hand, and landing, with a night cap, before bed. 

Sometimes we travel with luggage- papers to grade, lessons to write, while on other trips, we are free of our purchases along the way, our acquired gear. If we are to slowly make our way down the summit, after reaching it, with hard work and determination, we must make sure, that we leave our hands free and our backs clear of excess packs. It took us a school year: two semesters or six quarters, to reach the precipice and now, on our descent, it merely takes a few weeks before we have nestled in at base camp, and have eased, into a flow, much less natural to us.

At first we feel the weight of the educational world upon us. But, after some personal excursions and quests, we accept the residue and release the heft, of the burden of teaching. A burden of gratefulness, and sheer joy, not a burden of grievance or hindrance. Anytime you commit yourself unconditionally and unwavering, it takes a toll. It puts a strain on your energy. As educators, we feel we can't talk about the burden, yet it is there. It is the nap sack on our backs as we climb. But it is also the rope we cling to, the line of strength that pulls us through the bog. When we have conquered the peaks and swam across the roughest of channels, we are inevitably exhausted. Even those in the best of health, will feel the exertion. This burden is both welcomed and embraced. It is also this burden, that becomes difficult to let go of, after a fruitful year of teaching.

Residue becomes Weight

The residue, however, is permanent. We want the residuum. It reminds us of where we have been, like a stamp in our passports. Even as we pack the last box in our classrooms and wipe the last agenda from the board, the debris of our experiences remain. The silt nourishes us. The echoes of laughter, album of memories, lingering conversations, invigorate us. As we step outside our academic arenas and catch our flight to summer, these remainders vitalize us for the months ahead. It is hindsight, forethought and mindset, that steers us on our summer venue. 

The summer is a cornucopia of options for educators. Many attend professional development. participate in chats on Twitter, read insightful books on education. Many leave the realm of education behind, temporarily, and instead find solace in family and relaxation. Most, of us, however, combine the two. After our yearly trek, reflection and a free spirit becomes the stop over, on our ticket, not the destination, but the connection, the space between home and adventure. Our summer haven is personal. It is flexible and purposeful. While some need the splashing waves, others desire the cold mountain air.

Residue becomes weight, becomes familiarity and embodies our well-traveled character. The more we experience new ideas, exciting ways of changing our surroundings and embrace the embarkation from our old habits- the farther we venture out. The more open we become to leaving the comfort of hotels and 5-star restaurants behind. Instead we get comfortable with pitching a tent and letting nature take its course, making our classrooms more organic, accessible and free. But it also, brings our summer to a more balanced and calm place, so we can truly reconnect with ourselves.

A Holiday of Balance

The more we let ourselves unwind and sink in to summer, the more prepared we will be to jump our flight in the fall. The turbulence, frenzy and commotion of travel, will be just a hiccup in the scheme of things. We will have had a holiday, a respite that fueled our spirit. This spirit will happily and eagerly take on the burden of a new year. Not only will it accept the residue of the previous year but also the weight of the new. This is when residue becomes weight- becomes the tote, backpack and carry-on, for our next expedition. It is our belongings and possessions, that help us feel a little bit of home, as we continue to explore.

It is summer, for most of us. While it is near, for others. I hope you set forth on odyssey's of the mind, sojourn's of solace and fulfillment and voyages of personal growth and revitalization. I wish you a joyful and rejuvenating vacation.