It's a Big Big World Out There

 This time of year, the end of the school year, is always filled with mixed emotions for me. I always look forward to it because by now I am exhausted and anticipating the summer break. I'm excited to see our 5th grade students leave and the smiles on the students faces as they gain their awards and move up to the next grade. I am typically happy for those who take on new challenges, retire or venture into new levels of their careers and professional lives. However, this year is different. It is different because I am leaving. Oh, I'm not just leaving. I am taking a leap into this BIG BIG world. I am leaving a work place that I love and adore, my school, literally. As you all may know I am an alumnae of Thomas H. Brewer Elementary. Wait, can I even use the word alumnae in that sentence? Ha! You get the picture. I was a student here in the 90's kindergarten through 5th grade. I had the opportunity to return in 2016 as the School Counselor. While here, I gained an Educational Specialist Degree in School Counseling from Valdosta State University. It was here I had the opportunity, yes opportunity to work with the best educators in the world during a pandemic. Let me be more specific, I did it in person, face to face with students and I must be honest, I was terrified in the beginning. But, I did it and if I must say so myself I did it well. I am not the same person I was 5 years ago when I came to this school as an educator. I am not the same person I was before the world shifted during the pandemic right before our eyes. Education is not the same. we must evolve with it. With that being said I have taken an opportunity to work overseas in a pre-k through 12th grade school as counselor with lower grade students  (I think I maybe conditioned to change after working through a pandemic (it was so many of them this year lol)). So here I am with almost 10 years with the Muscogee County School District as an elementary school counselor taking a leap into this BIG BIG world to see how much more I can grow and change. Why not?!?! You know, we may not like change but it is necessary for growth. I heard someone once say that you will never know how much you are capable of until you step outside of your comfort zone. Brewer is home to me, Columbus, GA, is home to me. So with that being said I wanted to share this great news with you all as I take a big leap into this BIG BIG world to continue to evolve as a person. I will miss my T. H. Brewer Family dearly. 2951 is truly the place to be! If you believe in prayer, pray for a smooth transition and that God keeps me safe as I take on a  new journey. If you believe in sending, "good vibes", wish me well. 

Thank you all so much for pouring into me during my tenure here. I wouldn't have wanted to be at any other school with any other group of people during such a time! Boy, oh boy, what I time to be alive!!!!

With much love and respect to students, faculty, staff, and parents 

Kiana S. Barclift, Eds Counselor & Title I Parent Coordinator 

Thomas H. Brewer Elementary 2016-2021

#onecoolcounselor

#pandemicCounselor 

#pandemicEducator

#InpersonPandemicEducator

2021 Make It Happen!!!!

                             Welcome Back!!!

There's no doubt in my mind that 2020 took something away from all of us that changed the way we think and see the world and our own lives. If I may be completely honest I am not the same person. If you took a good look at yourself I am sure you would say the same. Some times in the mist of it all we miss that we too have undergone significant changes that we often don't see until the storm has passed. I don't know if the storm has passed, but I do know you have to keep living through it the storm until you're met with the sun again. My perception of life is different, my eagerness to spread a little bit more joy and kindness is more apparent than ever. 

Tomorrow is never promised. 

Last year my calendar and "To Do" list was completely replaced with time in solitude and maybe's as I adjusted my life to the new normal. I replaced flights with movie nights at home with my loved ones. I replaced family trips with family zooms, social media time with a brisk walk or run, and trips to the mall with online shopping and my personal favorite, good ole Amazon! This year I encourage you to get out your calendar and Make it Happen! Life is too short to live on should of, could of, would of, and excuses. Be the best version of yourself. Make those plans with your family. Meet those goals. So what, you may have to alter your plans to meet social distancing protocols, that's just fine. Live the life that you have imagined and don't you dare apologize for being your one of a kind self! 

Be encouraged!

Thank you for reading!

Thanks for reading!