After 26 plus years in my job at a small liberal arts college, I have retired. Today was my final day. I've pondered this day seriously for the past year and early in August, after I'd decided on the date, I informed my supervisor of my decision. For the past five months, I've been preparing myself mentally and emotionally for this day.
How would I feel when I walked out of my office, out of the building where I'd worked 14 of my 26 years? The building I'd played such a key role in designing and furnishing? The office that was built to my needs and specifications? How would it feel to turn all that over to somebody else?
I was surprisingly dry-eyed, no doubt due in part to the fact that there were only two other people there working with me today, one the person I've been training to replace me and the other was the only person still in our department who was working there when I started my career at the college in 1985.
In my heart and in my head, I've known that I was ready for this moment but before I departed that space where I'd spent so many hours, I snapped a few shots to hold in my memory and to share with you.
The scene before me every time I entered the door of my office.
The beautiful face that greeted me the last few months every time I turned on my computer and countless times throughout the day.
The view as I sat in my chair, often looking at pictures of my family. I kept a lot of photos in my office. Not only did they inspire me and calm me, they reminded me of who I am and what's important on those all too frequent occasions when the stress of work seemed overwhelming.
And finally, the window behind my computer monitor that I've looked out of thousands of times to watch the scene below unfold. Today it was deserted because of Christmas break but often it was filled with college students running to and fro.
My daughter and son-in-law graduated from this college. Maybe someday their daughter will attend this college, and again, maybe not. I spent more than 26 years of my life here buying things and designing interior spaces in every single building on this campus. I'm proud of my work. I'm grateful for the many good people I've worked with on campus and off, colleagues from other schools.
But, I'm ready for the next chapter. There's a life outside Centre College waiting for me. A life spent providing quality daycare for my granddaughter. There are countless photos out there to be taken. So much to learn to help me be a better photographer, a better artist. There are so many places out there yet to be visited with my husband, daughter, granddaughter, and son-in-law.
Yes ... I'm ready.
Dotti
Lovely post Dotti. Your photos are wonderful. Thanks for sharing this part of your life with the world. You sound proud, happy, and ready to begin the next chapter. Best wishes again Dotti.
Posted by: Judy (heyjude) | December 28, 2011 at 08:55 PM
Congratulations, Dotti, on your retirement! These are great images, and a great way to pay tribute to your work.
Posted by: Deborah T | December 28, 2011 at 09:31 PM
ahh, definitely a proud moment in your life to leave behind such memories and good thoughts. It is tough to leave something that is such a part of your life, but I know that your years ahead will be just as full and satisfying as your last 26 years. Congratulations and big hugs, Deanna
Posted by: Deanna | December 28, 2011 at 11:01 PM
Yeah, Dotti!! So happy for you! Congratulations and enjoy your well earned retirement!
Posted by: Barb McC | December 29, 2011 at 08:26 AM