As May brings us to the end of another school year, it is tempting to try to simply put everything away and settle in for some well earned rest. I have often found myself, at this time of the year, simply trying to get to the end, because I was already making plans for the new school year. I remember telling people that ours is not a career that lasts 30 or more years, but rather a career of one year that repeats for as long as one stays in it.

Recently, I have come to see it a little differently. Each year is actually a chapter in one of the best novels one could ever experience. Each start of the school year is as fresh as the paint, pencils, and plans that are ready for new students. The energy is filled with hope and excitement for what could be. The second quarter inevitably becomes a blur of action mixed with conferences, holidays, and apparently lots of snacks. Quarter three, like any good plot twist can bring out both the best and the worst in all characters. But quarter four helps us bring the chapter to a close. Whether the chapter ends on an exciting note or comes quietly to an end, we are able close the book for a bit and pick up the next chapter after a break.

And like all good books, we are always able to recall some of the amazing passages of our chapters no matter how much time passes and know that the work we do in education is extraordinary.

Highlights from HEA’s chapter for the year included the expansion of our scholarships and our TAAC support. New characters we included this year came from around the country as part of our Inaugural HEA Leadership Summit and the kickoff of our Communities of Care series. With our continuation of virtual training sessions planned for the fall, our chapter for this year may be finished a little later than those of others.

For those who are still writing chapters, however, let’s bring this year’s chapter to a close, slide our bookmarks in place, and take some time for ourselves.

For those who are enjoying the memories of the well written chapters they have already completed, we thank you for making it easier for us to write ours.

Here’s to enjoying that best that the short story of summer break has to offer.

With much aloha,

Joan Kamila Lewis
Board President