Greetings,

I have been waiting for some time to write this blog. I apologize that it comes in the form of a blog, but if I were to write all of you individually it would take some time; time that I do not have right now. But, the reason for this blog, as most of you already know, is to say good. Ulli, Simone and I are packing our belongings and leaving for Austria. Our plans are many — more dreamlike than actual plans. However, the dream involves a farm with organically grown vegetables and fruit, many animals and lots of space. We will continue to dedicate our time to teaching students about nature and creating a beautiful space for friends and families to enjoy.

But I am not writing to talk about dreams.

The reason that I am writing all of you: friends, teachers, administrators, counselors, students and families, is to say this. But before I get to “this”, it must come in a story — because as you know, I like stories:

This story is about me. It is the only story that I have, the only story that I truly know.

I once was asked to accept an athletic award for college. I was to give a speech of acceptance in front of many in a very formal hall at the college that I attended. I was already working at ENH and felt very confident in my abilities to talk in front of many people. So my turn came and I began to speak. What came from my mouth was not clear, nor beautiful. Most importantly, it did not give thanks and praise where such was due. I walked away from that ceremony and thought about what I wish I would have said.

The time has come for me not to accept an award — but to give one to all of you. The award is what I learned that day, what I have learned from all of you that have given so much to myself and my family as we existed in this little nook on a little river next to very large redwoods trees that grow from a lot of FOG next to a very large body of water connected to very large continents that make up one very small planet. What I had wished that I had said that day was this: Thank you to everyone who has mentored me through the experiences we have had together. Whether it was a great event, a moment with a student, a hike, a dance or just a moment where our eyes caught one another, I have learned so much from you through these moments. Like a sponge I have soaked up the experiences and as I reflected on that day when I gave the acceptance speech, I, too, am not satisfied with what I have done — I am only satisfied with what you have done to help me along my way. I know nothing.

So now comes the time to reflect and to grow. I think back to my time in the classroom before ENH. I often think, “if I only knew then what I know now — I would have been an amazing teacher!” So, too, I leave this place and I know that years from now I will look back upon my time with you all and think — “if I only knew what I know now — I would have been an amazing principal!” That’s because growth is inevitable and I have learned that to be a teacher is to constantly learn. As we learn we apply these lessons and look back upon past growth and wonder.

So thank you for the dream. I give thanks and praise to all of you and apologize for any mistakes or inconsistencies in my actions throughout my time at ENH. I apologize because I truly am sorry. I give thanks because I truly am grateful. I dream because I am . . .

Burl