June Rewind

The month of endless goodbyes

Jun 30, 2025

Dear Readers,

Happy last day of June! School is officially, finally out. Today was my last day in the office for the next six weeks! I’m looking forward to some travel time and much-needed rest.

In the staffroom with co-workers on our (almost) last day

I thought June would be the easiest month of work, but it turned out to be the hardest. I wrote end-of-year reports, shot end-of-year videos, finalized grades, took my 5th graders to camp, and said a million goodbyes to students, co-workers, and friends.

That said, I didn’t have much time for writing. I promise I’ll publish something in July. But I did see a new movie! One I would actually recommend: The Phoenician Scheme. I like Wes Anderson, and I’m tempted to watch this one again.

The Phoenician Scheme (3.5/5)

On the way home from a Hungarian cultural festival with friends

I’ve signed up for another year of teaching here in Budapest. It’s a transient city, which is part of the deal (and part of the appeal). The reality that so many of my co-workers and friends are leaving and won’t be here next year is starting to sink in, making me a little apprehensive about what next year will bring. It’s my co-workers who have made this year so special and made me open to considering staying longer than I had originally planned.

The only award for work that I won this year: “The person you would trust with a real secret of yours”. What an honor.

Even though I am sad to say goodbye to so many people, I’m taking this as a challenge to trust my gut and remain open-minded about what next year will bring. This past year was full of unexpected, wonderful surprises, and I’m confident that next year will have its own.

I’m also hoping to take some time this summer and in the coming year to try and figure out a longer-term plan, personally and professionally. Please be thinking of and praying for me in that process.