Fifteen years ago, I got my first teaching job here in Reno. Previously, I had taught for a single year in Washington state, and at the end of that year I was ready to move back to what I call home, Reno. When I got here it was in the middle of a school year, so I had to get a job doing what I had always hated, dealing blackjack in a local casino. Most of the time I was bored out of my mind. The only fun part was people watching.
During the summer of 1997, I started looking for work in an alternative school setting. After a series of inquiries, I was told I should apply for a position at a placed called Opportunity School. The guy said it sounded like just the type of school I was looking for, and they were looking for an English teacher.
Enter the girls.
Susan, first on the left, was the principal. Bett, far right, was the science teacher, and Dori, center bottom, was the counselor. Debbie (whose ravishing red head is absent due to a migraine) was the social studies teacher. The interview was so much fun I forgot I was actually looking for a job. I felt like I had known these women a lifetime. Each of us have very strong personalities, but somehow we all mesh together admirably well.
We had so much fun working together throughout the years that even when we slowly splintered off from the original school, we periodically kept in touch. Three of us ended up working at the same comprehensive high school for a number of years. Each in our own differing capacities, yet when we would see each other in the halls, we had instant smiles, and sometimes hugs (we could tell by the look on the others face that she needed it).
It was a strange dichotomy going from a tiny school to the biggest school in the district with over 2,200 students. Frequently, I felt like I had whiplash, having been shot out of my small school cannon. I am sure Bett and Debbie could testify to the fact that I had bugs in my teeth many a day as I ran screaming through the halls of that behemoth school.
There is a lot we can accomplish with the help of fabulous friends.
Four or five years ago, I decided to go back to work at Opportunity School. I have so enjoyed reuniting with Dori, seeing her face every morning, laughing at nonsensical things together. We even team taught an elective class this past year. If it wasn't for Dori, I am not sure I would have made it through the incredibly challenging school year I just finished. Not only is she a great friend and co-worker, but a kick ass counselor too!!!
It was Dori who suggested we all get together before scattering to the four winds this summer. Little did we know that she would be announcing her retirement. I, of course, knew this was going to be her last year about a month ago, but the others did not have a clue. I tried to bully Dori into staying, admittedly for my own selfish reasons (let's call 'em survival tactics), but she was immune. I have spent the past month talking to her about what she will do in retirement. Let's get this thing straight right here and now, for Dori there will be no such thing as retirement. What we are looking at here is simply a change in stations. Dori is the original Energizer Bunny. Before she could think of accepting the early separation incentive, she had already planned out the entire first year. I have every confidence that whatever Dori sets her mind to, will be done muy pronto!
I will miss her terribly.
The girls and I enjoyed several hours together this afternoon. First, touring our local museum. It had a traveling Egyptian exhibit, and a special Ansel Adams gallery to view as well. I am not sure we read all the explanatory plaques as we chatted and moved about the exhibits. We wondered who would take our pictures as we posed "Walking like an Egyptians" when out of nowhere appears two former students. Now, Dori and I had just seen them less than two days prior, but they acted like they hadn't seen us in several years. The two boys were kind enough to snap a shot of us.
I'm not sure what they thought, but we were grateful they were there to document the crazy ladies.
After the museum, we headed off to a great outdoor luncheon spot where we ate, drank and reminisced several hours away.
We did miss Big Red, Debbie. We had planned to celebrate a recent award she was given as a high performing principal, but she called me at 8:30 this morning saying she had a horrible migraine. She said the week had been a good one, but she was headed off to the chiropractor to get rid of the headache. Next time, Debbie.
And there will be many next times.
As with all friends, the bonds built over time can never be severed. I tend to be a loner, not building close friendships. I suspect it is because I grew up living a gypsy lifestyle. One thing I can count on is the next time we all get together, there will be some great conversations, lots of laughter, and big hugs to hold us until we meet again.
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