I attempted to retire! In fact, this was the third time that I worked away with the plans on actually retiring. I can now say, “I have failed at retirement for my third time!”
I went back to work late January 2022. I was asked to look at a potential job opening that my last employer, Hamilton High School, had. It was an opening for a College and Career Center Specialist. Looked it over and thought, this is something that I could actually use all of my skills and experiences to share with students. 28+ years of employment, 15 years in Army reserves, running my own business, and my background in helping my kids through college. Why not, I applied and got the job.
The past person that had the role, left in November. Coming in past the middle of the school year was a bit tough! I pretty much was playing catch up and keeping my head above water. There is no manual on what and how to do this role. There are expectations – which helped me manage my activities. Asking for help from your peers at other high schools is somewhat difficult. Each school does things differently, the roles that each person plays are different.
I pushed on. The students in the graduating class of 2022 – racked in over $36 million dollars in scholarship money! When I looked at how much was still left on the table – I gave that group and EXCEEDS performance.
At the end of 2023, I reviewed my overall performance, reviewed the data that I collected, and put some plans in place to address some of the issues that I found. Look college isn’t for everyone, problem is those that don’t want to go to college – don’t want any help (well, at least they don’t come in). Have to fix that! Getting ahead of the curve for the students in each grade is important. I came in late and was playing catch up (plays for every class – in place)!
Move ahead to the start of the 2022/23 year – I am doing things differently and putting my spin on how things could get done. I found that communication to students is weak at best in the past! I get very little time with the students as a whole, I had to figure out how best to make communication work. Just putting information out – does not make communication work. I had to change my approach. I have 4 communications channels now! I have taught the seniors to fish and added 2 push methods to get the word out. Most communication is set up to be interactive! At least, I know many are actually reading and acting on the messages.
Increased College visits this year! My calendar for college visits has pretty much been full for September and October!
There is much work to be done! I am focused on each class as the Freshman Class will be presented to starting when we get back from Fall Break! This is a time sync that gets me out and about, the students get to interact with me, and we get ensure that their deadlines are completed.
I am having a blast daily with discussions about working (resumes and interviewing)! Discussions on what is it that you really want to do when you grow up! Discussions on career choice! Helping students with college applications, essays and financial aid! Advice on how to get into that college they want – GPA, test scores or whatever it takes.
Already – I have had quite a few of the students come back and thank me for my help! Watching their faces as they tell me they got admitted to the dream school or they got the job that they wanted from my interviewing help – makes my day!
Steve – wonderful. Both for you and the students. Ya, “retire” is a word that I think is from the previous generations. I kinda gringe when people ask me if I’ve “retired”. I enjoy what I’m doing with my time. I have purpose — like you express here. I just can’t bring myself to having any kind of “job” — with any boss (even though you were one of my better managers back in the day). I also value extreme time shifting to do whatever I want to do that day, or in that moment. I’m very happy for you. I’m down 20 lbs and 50 more to go at this point. Take care of your health.