20 years

20 years ago I was newly engaged, no kids, spending the weekends with my friends and soon to be husband and excited that a baby (Dylan) was on the way.  I was also starting a new job.  A job at the Minneapolis Technical College as an assistant to the Dean of Students.

It was an interesting start to the day because the temp that I was replacing wasn't too jazzed on being replaced.  He was "supposed" to train me in but not only did he refuse to do that, he refused to surrender my desk or even speak to me.  Because it was a union job, he was allowed to stay for the week until his contract was up so I shared a desk with Johan, the assistant to the Dean of Academics.  She was SUPER nice and showed me the ropes and graciously shared not only her desk and supplies but her knowledge.

In those 20 years, I had a fabulous wedding, a not so fabulous divorce, gave birth to two fantastic children who completely changed my life.  Watched ten other children come into this world, a few literally.  Sadly said good-bye to several of the most loved people in my life who are now watching over me from above.  Ended relationships that drained me mentally but continued to nurture friendships with my best friends because I realized that those that I can be quiet with are the people I love the most.

I left the Technical College when the state took over and moved to Roosevelt High School August of 1996 and have been there since.  Yes, I have been working at the same school for 18 school years!!  I have been working for the Minneapolis school district for 20 years TODAY!

When I first started working at Roosevelt, it was kind of tough to walk through the doors because I had graduated from there nine years earlier.  The school had changed, it was a little rough around the edges, gang activity was visible to the naked eye, our sports teams were no longer contenders in state playoffs, the danceline that once had girls fighting for one of the 30 spots, now had 8 girls who could careless if they showed up.  Truth be told, I was a little scared to be in the hallways during passing time.

Since that time, I have worked under four Principals, showed up on days that I didn't want to and did jobs and worked with people I didn't like but I kept coming back.  I have watched the school evolve into a place that I am now proud to say I graduated from.  I have made some wonderful friendships, became a member of the foundation that raises money to make the school a better place and put students through school with scholarships.  This year I am proud to say that I am bringing back traditions that were lost, I'm working with students and really getting to know them.  I just accepted a new job at the school and I am now the CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) coordinator for our IB program.  Which means that students have to do 150 of those hours during their junior and senior year.  I will be helping them create opportunities within the community and guiding them on how to get their hours accomplished.  I am beyond excited for this new opportunity.

So I start my 20th year with the school district with a renewed energy and looking forward to more of life's little detours.  Cheers!

P.S., I'm also sharing cream filled cupcakes with a few of my friends:)