As I scan my Twitter and Facebook feeds recently, a number of memes and “teacher humor” bemoaning the end of summer have come across my screen. Most of them share a strong sense of dread about the end of summer and the upcoming start of school. I’ll go ahead and possibly label myself as a quintessential dork, but I just can’t get behind those memes or the feelings of dread…

Don’t get me wrong, I had a fantastic summer. I was able to indulge my love of diving and traveled to some very fun locations, including Alaska, to dive and spend some time playing in the snow. I enjoy my time off of work the same as everyone else. The chance to unplug and spend time on my hobbies and visit with friends and families gives me a kind of special energy that fills my bucket.

But. I can’t help but get excited about the start of a new school year. I thoroughly enjoy the renewal and energy that comes through the door as faculty, staff and students return to campus. I like the planning and conversations as we think about, dream about, and increase our hopes for the new year. The slow steady increase of energy and momentum is tangible during the month of August. And then, in September, it is all systems go!

I’m elbow deep in big plans and dreams as we get ready to greet our new faculty in a couple of weeks, followed quickly by our faculty August inservice, and the first day of school in September. And I couldn’t be happier. It looks like it will be a very busy, very productive, and very fun year ahead, and I am excited to see what it holds. 🙂