Work Celebration

Jennifer told me several weeks ago that her, Jeanne, and Nicole were planning a celebration for my time with MITT/our upcoming marriage and move. I resisted this party for several reasons with one being that I just wanted to exit quietly. I want to pull the door shut on the last day and not have a big fuss. I don't feel like I have done anything really big. It's not like I have cured cancer or worked for 30+ years. I have enjoyed my time with Managing in Tough Times and I have fulfilled a dream of mine to work in Extension, just like my Papaw did. Yet, I didn't want a big deal made of my resignation.

My resignation is bittersweet. I hate to leave Jennifer and the agents. Jennifer has been instrumental in my college and professional career. We work well together and I respect the work she does. She is well respected in her field and I know she is going to continue to do BIG things. We have shared successes together and we have shared Cokes on days that were less than fair. Our friendship has only deepened over the last 3 years and to see someone almost every day for 3 years and then up and leave is hard.

Then there are the agents. The agents are my clientele. I have nearly 400 agents that I communicate with and answer their questions. My job is to keep them happy and respond to their requests. Some of the agents have become good friends and I love when I can visit with them. I admire the work they do. They are true game changers in their communities. They work towards improving citizens' behaviors, increasing citizens' knowledge, and ultimately change the social, economic, and environmental conditions of their county. I stand in awe at what all they accomplish each week and the hours they put in. Their passion for their job is inspiring to me and I know that they don't do it for the money; agents do their job because they like helping people. Needless to say, they are a mighty fine group to be around and learn from.

I ate a FAIR amount of that cake!

Both Jennifer and the agents embraced me at age 22, when I was green, and still figuring out what exactly an Extension Associate was supposed to do. The support and encouragement I received got me through hard days and uplifted me even higher on good days. As happy as I am to marry my best friend and start the new chapter in our lives, it is bittersweet to leave. However, Extension will always be a soft spot in my heart. Yet, I want to take advantage of this transition in my life and explore other areas and find new challenges.

But before I can explore new challenges and new chapter, I must finish this wonderful chapter that is MITT. Today was a great celebration with people that I love. These people have answered my questions and helped me out when I have found myself in pickles.

Jennifer, Nicole, and Jeanne hosted a great party with wonderful food and presented me with a beautiful monogrammed silver jewelry box. Dr. Ann Vail, Dr. Laura Stephenson, Jeanne, and Jennifer spoke and their words were incredibly touching and sincere. I knew without a doubt that I wasn't going to cry however, when Laura starting speaking, my throat tightened up and I knew I was losing a fighting battle. I was a wreck by the time Jennifer started to speak. We have been dreading this moment for weeks now. Jennifer did a great job holding herself together whereas I wiped every bit of my concealer off with my tears.

Jennifer, Nicole, myself, and Jeanne

Overall, it was a great day seeing and thanking so many wonderful people who have guided me and modeled me as a professional. Though the celebration wasn't necessary, it was much appreciated. I am lucky to know so many great people and I only hope to teach others the lessons they have taught me these past 3 years.