Farewell...

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On Thursday, May 21, 2020, Legacy students will officially say goodbye to this school year.That will also be my final day as your school counselor; I am retiring. Mr. Meisner, who has taught fourth grade at Legacy for many years, will be the new counselor.

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Twenty-five years ago, I began teaching and counseling for the Washington County School District. Presently, many of my former students are adults with their own careers and families. Interestingly, this year, several of my former students worked alongside of me in the capacity of a custodian, teacher, and school counselor. Many others have found success in other rewarding endeavors. I am proud of them!

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The teaching profession can be a lonely one. As a teacher/counselor, I only have an association with students for a short period of time--typically, one school year--then, they move on with their lives and I won't see them, again. Still, as time progresses, I frequently wonder how they are managing with their lives since I last saw them. That's why it is especially validating whenever a former student stops by to visit me. In the past, at the conclusion of the school year, I have had the privilege of saying goodbye to my students. However, this year will be different.

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The COVID-19  has changed life for practically EVERYONE! At this writing, my last face-to-face contact with Legacy students was nine weeks ago. I have missed teaching students! I have missed sharing counseling visits! But this long absence was necessary for all of us in an effort to contain the spreading of this nasty virus.

 

People are, by nature, social beings. Frequently, with other humans, we enjoy talking, laughing, and visiting. We seek friendships with those whom we like and trust. The COVID-19 has made these basic human needs difficult to fulfill. Additionally, many parents have been thrust into the role of a teacher as students have had to grapple with remote learning. While these roles were unexpected, many success stories have been achieved.

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During this time away from students, along with character education lessons, I have filled my website with information and updates regarding this virus (found on the "Resources" page). A major concern which I have is that once the home confinement is removed and people begin to return to a "normal" life, some will forget to continue to practice basic safeguards which have helped to keep the number of COVID-19 cases relatively low for our part of the country. There is much about this illness which the medical experts still do not understand. The good news is that many people who have contracted the illness have made a complete recovery!! This is encouraging because it means that this illness can be defeated!

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While I have been home, I have had to practice what I teach students. Like anyone else, at times, I, too, get sad, lonely, and disappointed. I miss working with students. I miss swimming. I miss going to a store without having to wear a mask and gloves. I miss visiting with my colleagues. I miss watching the news on television without feeling worried about the future for others and myself. I miss my friends and family.

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So, how do I handle all of this? I work using my computer and remind myself that some of the information and lessons which I share on my website may help someone. I peruse websites, seeking additional information and lessons to share. When I'm not working, I take frequent walks. I exercise in my own home.  I try to talk to my friends and family members. When I watch the television news, if I become sad, I turn off the t.v. and do something else. If I really get sad, I talk to a trusted family member or friend. If you attempt any of the things which I have mentioned, be sure to get the approval of your parents/guardians before proceeding.

 

There are signs of progress around us. Stores are beginning to re-open, as are parks and restaurants. Slowly, things are returning to normal. We are going to be okay!!

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To my Legacy "family" and to those whom I have had the privilege of working, please accept my fondest regards and the strongest wishes for your safety, peace, and happiness.

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Thank you for a most enjoyable adventure! My heart will always be filled with love and appreciation for our short time together.

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About Mr. Mesa

 

I am finishing my thirty-third year as an educator. I have taught bilingual first grade, fourth grade, bilingual fifth grade, and bilingual sixth grade. Later, I was a counselor at Dixie High School for twelve years. During that time, I also taught Excel (high-risk class), English immersion for Spanish speakers, and a Spanish-speaking math lab. I have just completed my fifth year as a full-time elementary school counselor.

 

I earned a bachelor's degree in business from the University of California, a K-8 bilingual teaching credential from California State University @ San Bernardino, a master's degree in education with an emphasis in counseling from Azusa Pacific University, along with endorsements in English as a Second Language (E.S.L.), math (level 2), and, additionally, an administrative endorsement from Southern Utah University.

 

I love to swim and I always seem to find my way to the water during my spare time. For the 2013 St. George 1/2 Ironman, I begged my way onto a relay team where I swam the first "leg" (we finished fourth in spite of me). I am a bit of a classic movie aficionado who enjoys watching Turner Classic Movies on a regular basis.