Epilogue

 

My career in higher education has ended. Looking back over the past 35-plus years, I realize how truly blessed I am to have made this journey. It was 1989 when I took a job in a financial aid office at a private college in Massachusetts. It is there that I learned the basics of file review, cost of attendance, and financial aid awards. My time at the college lead me to become a director at a small career school in Boston, followed by consulting. It was during my time as a consultant that I fell in love with regulations, the law, and compliance.

I finally found my calling when I took a part-time job at a local community college. The work combined my experience, my knowledge, and my love of students. More importantly, it confirmed my strong commitment to work at an institution that provides open access to anyone who wishes to pursue an education. My years there expanded my experience beyond financial aid to include student accounts, veterans’ benefits, orientation, and registration.

I also had the privilege of working at a community college in central Massachusetts, where I worked with amazing colleagues that I knew through our professional organizations.

The last 15 years of my career were spent at a local community college just 10 miles from my home. It was there that I spent my hours doing the work that I love: regulatory compliance. I wrote policies and procedures. I researched regulations. I expanded into institutional compliance, involving Title IX, affirmative action, student conduct and grievances, the Clery Act, and more. I had the opportunity to work across divisions and get to know colleagues in academic affairs, public safety, IT, and much more. I was part of compliance teams that shaped institutional policy. Together we faced the challenges of current regulatory changes and reporting requirements. All of it to benefit the institution so that it can continue to provide access to education.  

When I look back over the final years of my career, I can genuinely say that I was blessed to be able to do the work that I love. Yes, higher education is full of challenges and leaving is hard. Change is always an adjustment. I will hold onto the fond memories of working with colleagues who became friends, and I know my years there will shape my future endeavors.

What Brings You Joy

I recently had lunch with a friend. We had met at our place of employment. Neither one of us work there anymore. We talked a little about our former employer, who we know that still works there, and what is in the news. However, most of our conversation was about our current lives.

We talked about our hobbies. She is a quilter. I knit. 

A scarf for my sister

We talked about what we are currently reading and books that we have read that we really liked. We talked about vacations and international travel. We talked about mental health and spiritual growth. We talked about family and aging parents. We talked about all the things that are meaningful to our lives.

We kept coming back to the theme of nurturing our soul. What brings us joy. How we feed our well-being and replenish our souls so that we can be present for those who mean the most to us. 

I am prioritizing my health. I am reading more. I am focusing on my role as the member of a board of directors. And I am knitting.

A baby blanket

What brings you joy?

Changes

 

Change happens. It can be sudden and unforeseen. It can be anticipated yet still feel unexpected. Or it can be planned and strategic. Regardless of how it arrives, change is never effortless.

In December, I experienced an unexpected and sudden change. In the initial shock, the one thing I was determined to maintain was my morning habit of getting some kind of exercise or movement. As my situation evolved, I noticed other subtle shifts in my days. Better sleep, more intentional nutrition.

January arrived, and decisions were made. I wanted to continue my two volunteer activities and spend more time with my mother. I also cherished rest. As I move through the stages of grief, I have prioritized my spiritual well‑being. While I do not succeed in all of these areas all the time (except visiting my mother once a month), I do not beat myself up for falling short.

My days have settled into a pattern of routine. I am the master of my calendar and my time. While some appointments are fixed, everything else fits around the availability I choose. In many ways, time has slowed down. There are still moments of stress, but overall, my life is peaceful.

Change can be traumatic, or it can be a cause for celebration. Either way, it is inevitable.