Arlene Has Left the Building

The party planners, Emily and Gayle.  Yes, we had that much fun.

Well, it did happen. The school year did end. I did resign. I can't believe it and probably won't until school starts next fall and I'm not trying to help figure out how to schedule 2.3 interpreters over 15-20 different class periods. Then it will be real.


When I started working, it was as a sub for a Junior High. That in itself should date me since it has been a Middle School for probably 20 years. My daughter was 15 months old and I needed a little cash and some time with adults. I worked on the days Kenny was off so there were no child care issues. I continued to do this until my second born was 4. During that time, I decided Social Work was not for me in the long run(my degree is in SW and I hold a state certification that I continue to pay for, but never use). I had taken a community class in Sign Language and by coincidence(I say divine design)a Deaf Ed program moved to the school where I was working. Long story short, I got my cert. in interpreting, the school district hired me and that's where I stayed for the next couple of decades. I took a few years off when the kids were in HS, but still subbed there during that time.


When I tell people what I do, I get a lot of "wow, that sounds interesting" and when I tell them where, it's "it must be so rewarding". Yeah, that's true, but there are some days...well, let's just say those days are memory makers. During my tenure I have:

• potty trained
• had chairs thrown at me
• successfully avoided being spit upon several times
• had little ones wet my lap
• followed a "runner" in my car until admin could get to him
• attended funerals for students
• explained some of the facts of life (following a non-signing mom's request)
• interpreted "the film" more times than I can remember
• found myself in a CPS type situation
• interpreted in a juvenile detention center
• interpreted basketball (where I got a technical foul before the ref knew what I was doing), football (where I was tackled), track, fencing, a "spirit" squad that cheered at ALL high school sports (and had to ride the bus with the kids to all the events)and weight lifting competitions
• interpreted Spanish class
• interpreted choir class(for THREE years)
• interpreted plays
• interpreted spelling bees for deaf participants
• have been sent to the office countless times with kids who have made "bad choices"
• voiced language that would make a sailor blush
• went to prom
• interpreted how to use a cane for a deaf/blind student
•  voiced  "altar calls" and sermons preached by an evangelical kindergartener. "Turn your eyes upon Jeee-sus"

2 days in a row were never the same. No 2 years had the same schedule, same kids, same teachers or even, in some cases, the same school. It kept me growing, thinking and from being bored. It also made bad situations bearable since I knew I only had to endure it for one year. It allowed me to work with some of the most inspiring teachers and staff and become their friend. I learned soooo much! I know solfege, I got to re-read all those wonderful classics, my heart was re-broken every year for those enduring the Holocaust, those who suffered the indescribable atrocities of slavery and I can do proportions.

Traci and I started working at Snow Hts. about the same time. She is probably the sweetest person I know. The sweet yin to my not so sweet yang.  We (and our families) have been friends since. We not only work together but vacation and play together.

 The grannies of the group

Sweet friends, Emily and Gayle, gave me a wonderful retirement party. So many friends from so many years. It was wonderful! Emily made the cutest cake toppers and decorated the restaurant. She made little cards that look like notebook paper for people to write notes on. Loved it! So many sweet notes.

It was so much fun for me but even better was watching friends who had not seen each other in years have a chance to catch up. The food was great and the fellowship was better.

One of the girls in the Loop, Gwenn, got here dates wrong and showed up at the restaurant a day late. Oops! She called and said she wanted to see me anyway, so we did a 1 person party re-do. I rehung the bunting, pulled out the leftover cupcakes and poured some wine. She came and ate leftover quesadillas, chips and queso and we had a blast. 

Meg giving her speech to her one person audience

I love what I do and I fully expect to be interpreting until I die. What was great about my job was where I did it. I was so blessed to be at a place that felt like home. I have made friends that have lasted a life time. I have loved students like they were my own. I have memories that will make me smile for the rest of my life.