Hi there, friends.
I don’t have new writing today, but I thought I’d share a personal update since this week marks a big transition for me. This Friday is my last day on staff at Citizens of the World KC, the charter school I helped found. Nearly nine years ago I started a conversation in my neighborhood that grew into the founding of a Pre-k through 8th grade public charter school. It has been my own kids’ school. It has been a hub of my community. It has been my employer and my passion. And on Friday I’ll hand over my keys, turn off my work email, and start something new.
And I have no idea what that will be.
I feel lucky for the chance to hit pause for a few months. This decision has been in the works for over a year. You’d think I would feel more ready to embrace a break. But honestly, as this week has approached, I’ve noticed within myself a restlessness and the tendency to quickly jump into the next thing. Is it the pressure to remain on a career path? The desire to look like I know what I’m doing? My knack for needing to feel useful? The treadmill effect of not knowing how to slow down even when nothing else requires me to move?
I don’t know.
But I am telling myself — and I have been grateful for good friends who have also told me — to embrace this as the gift that it is. And that seems like a good place to end, and a good place to start.
Peace,
Andrew
P.S. The essays and poems return next week. :)
What I’m currently reading: William Bridges’ Transitions, the latest update in the 1988 firefighter explosion, The Very Hungry Caterpillar
What I’m listening to: Shovels and Rope’s Manticore, Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia
For every organization, the transition from founders to the next generation can be tricky. You got this!!! This is a necessary step for the full growth of your school and for the existence to go on after you. Congrats on the first stop after this journey, and we look forward to your opinions, thoughts, and feelings on it. (Oxford comma for the win.)