President’s Letter: Finding Closure

Honestly, this is a difficult article to write. It’s my last as MSCA president because my term of office ends on June 30. It’s also the weirdest time in my life because uncertainty is the new norm. I have no clue if you will still be social distancing when you read this. What I do know is, this marks closure.

The end of a typical school year is significant. It’s filled with celebrations that mark a milestone in students’ lives. Parents proudly post first and last school day pictures on social media. Graduations are held. Education professionals reflect on the successes and ways to move forward for the next year. Some school counselors walk out of their buildings for the last time. They have accepted new jobs, chosen different career paths, or retired. You say goodbye to students with hope for the future.

School counselors understand that Gestalt theory focuses on the here and now. So, here’s the here and now: Closure didn’t happen, at least not normally. Many school counselors walked out of their offices on Thursday, March 12, wondering what Friday the 13th would look like when they came back to school (I see you, middle school counselors). Wow, were they surprised!

Human nature seeks closure, the finalization of an aspect of life. Abigail Brenner, MD, shared five tips for important aspects of closure in a Psychology Today article. I’ve taken the liberty to apply these to my transition to past president and I invite you to consider what these mean for you. 

1. Take responsibility for yourself. You give meaning to your experience. I have embraced opportunities I never imagined, faced challenges that I never envisioned, and realized that asking for help denotes strength.
2. Grieve the loss. Lean into the feelings, as they are at any given moment. I am bittersweet at this juncture. Sad for the journey to end, but confident to know that the MSCA team is strong and determined.
3. Gather your strengths. First pause and reflect on these. These are hard to write about in this space, but I know my energy, creativity and passion will serve me well.
4. Make a plan for the future. Begin with the end in mind. In the short term, this means a much deserved summer break from teaching. In the long term, this seclusion has forced me to seriously consider what retirement will look like.
5. Create a ritual. Do it on your own or with a team. MSCA doesn’t have an official “leadership gavel passing” ceremony, but maybe we should.

This phase of my leadership journey was scheduled to end regardless of COVID-19. To the MSCA Governing Board, thank you for staying the course and for your support, energy and expertise. It’s been a wild and rewarding ride. To the school counselors in the state of Michigan, you are rock stars. I hope you will consider your place in leadership, be it in your schools, your districts, or at the state and national level.
 
Thank you all. It’s been an honor.
 
Contact Judy Williams, MSCA past president, at willijud@gvsu.edu.