Wednesday, May 19, 2021

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

3 comments:

  1. Wishing you all the success and love as you move to a new chapter in your life.Brewer Alumni and family for life.We love you and you will truly be missed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I wish I knew who this unknown message is from!

      Delete
  2. Tears!! Kiana your letter brought tears to my eyes. Even though, I already knew you were leaving but it just hit me how much I'm going to miss you. You energy and your dedication is unmatched! Thank for always helping with everything that I Voluntell you to do!! Lol! I knew you would help me because you love this school and that students just as much as I do! You have made such an impact on your elementary school. It makes me proud to know that you are a product of Brewer who has truly made a difference in the lives of the children in the community you grew up in. I'm just so proud of you Barclift! You are so brave to step out on faith and do what's in your heart. That takes alot of courage an spunk and you got that sweetheart. You know that you have my blessing! Kuwait is beautiful place that I was blessed to be stationed at for a year and I know you would love it! Life is too Short! So live Love and Laugh! Oh and don't forget to travel and share lots of pictures so that I can live through you!!

    Love You Barclift and God Bless You!!

    ReplyDelete