Wendy Romano was nominated by her principal, Jeff Adams.
"Wendy is a lifelong educator who has served in an exemplary capacity as an elementary school teacher for over 30 years," said Adams. "I feel blessed to have been her principal at the Walnut Street School for the past 13 years. She has served as a building leader, mentor to new staff, innovator, collaborator, community supporter, lover of learning, friend, colleague, and of course, a five star third grade teacher."
When someone first thinks of Mrs. Romano, the term “consummate professional,” comes to mind. She continues to come to work day after day and year after year with a first year teacher’s mindset. She is never satisfied with her level of expertise for her craft and is one of the first to try a new idea, a new technology, or a new collaborative learning process. Mrs. Romano never rests on her laurels and wants to bring the best of the best into every lesson she implements.
"In our district mission statement, it indicates as a district we '..utilize proven instructional strategies and innovative methods,'" said Adams. "Wendy highlights, lives, and breathes that verbiage in her approach to education and her students. Her mission to give her students the most sound pedological instruction is unrivaled and a foundation of who she is as an educator."
Demonstrating drive and dedication to her craft is only one side of who Mrs. Romano is as an educator. It's important to be well-versed and knowledgeable in your chosen field, but in education, that is only one side of the coin. On the other side is the ability to connect with your students and to truly show compassion, empathy, concern, and love for their overall mind, body, and emotional well-being. When it comes to this, the buck stops with Mrs. Romano.
Fifteen years ago, Mrs. Romano demonstrated this passion and love for her students in a way that took everyone by surprise. She developed such a connection with one of her students that, based on the child’s personal life story, she and her family chose to adopt that child and raise her as her own daughter. At the time, it was an unprecedented decision for Mrs. Romano and her family. This risk that she took, led by a heart full of compassion and love, changed not only her life and her daughter’s life, but impacted the whole school building, as well. It created a culture where going the extra mile for your students wasn’t an anomaly, but an expectation.
A strong knowledge of pedagogy, a learner’s mindset, and a true love and compassion for students are all ingredients of a legacy educator. There is one more ingredient, however, that must occur, or all is for naught. That ingredient is maintaining rigorous expectations that all students will rise to the occasion and succeed. In this case, no student gets a free pass in Mrs. Romano's room.
Former students talk about the love and professionalism Mrs. Romano demonstrated day in and day out. Furthermore, they always talk about her high level of expectations. She finds out what motivates students, differentiates her instruction, makes phone calls home, comes in to school early, and leaves late, all to ensure her students are learning and growing in ways that they didn't even believe they could. The truth of the matter, however, is that the students didn't need to believe in themselves because Mrs. Romano did. By the end of that third grade year, these same students that came into her class with pause, trepidation, and a lack of confidence in who they were as learners left as confident fourth graders who had not only mastered their content, but learned about themselves. They learned about grit, hard work, and overcoming self-doubt and personal obstacles. Many of her former students say they carried those seeds of inspiration and accomplishments from Ms. Romano’s class into high school, college and even adulthood.
The final ingredient in Mrs. Romano’s iconic career is her relationships with her co-workers. She provides the same compassion and support to her colleagues that she provides to her students. As a building leader, she took on countless student teachers over the course of her career, thus impacting thousands of students in other districts, as those student teachers took a piece of Wendy with them wherever they wound up teaching. In the building, she served on professional leadership committees that helped navigate the culture and climate of the building and district, as well as instructional focuses. Furthermore, she supported parents at home with advice, guidance, and skills to enable them to better work with their children in the home environment.
"All of these ingredients create the educator, the mother, the grandmother, the friend, the mentor, the colleague, and the amazing human being that is Wendy Romano," said Adams. "As a staff, we collectively want to thank her for her years of service. We hope she knows that she will always have a home and be part of the Walnut family."
Mrs. Romano was my Third Grade Teacher and one of the first educators I encountered when I came to the United States from Guatemala. She gave the individual attention I needed so that I could academically and emotionally adapt to a new country. Despite being her first experience with an English as a second language student, by the time I finished 3rd grade, I felt I could perform like my peers. She is an educational role model and I am eternally grateful to have been her student.
Wow. My third grade year was Mrs. Romano’s first year at Walnut St. Time flies. I graduated WHS in 1996 and I’m now 42 years old. Congratulations and enjoy your retirement!
As a senior in college, my first real classroom experience was with Wendy Romano as her student teacher. In 20 years my feelings about this have not changed; I was blessed to be placed in her classroom. Wendy is the consummate professional. Her planning and organizational skills are unparalleled. She is one of the first to arrive at school and one of the last to leave. She volunteers her time for committees and other groups. These are the textbook items you'd see listed for a proficient teacher. These are all amazing qualities, but Wendy's strengths do not stop there. Wendy is deeply caring. She often goes out of her way to help others. She has the "it" factor as a teacher; she is the perfect combination of firmness and kindness. Her students know that they are loved. She will form unbreakable bonds with the most challenging students and earn their everlasting gratitude. Wendy sets high expectations for her students and challenges them to achieve to their greatest potential. Outside of her classroom, Wendy is our staff big sister, counselor, coordinator, mentor, and friend. She has supported me through life's biggest events; marriage, children, moving, and passing of loved ones. Her warmth and compassion are evident to all who know her. Wendy has been such a meaningful part of my life. Walnut St. School will not be the same without her. We all wish her many years of happiness and relaxation in her well-earned retirement!
Congratulations Wendy. I am so happy for you. It was a blessing to work with you at Walnut when I began my teaching career. You are a fantastic educator and I wish you a joyful retirement. You deserve it and will be missed??
I just wanted to say, I think Ms.Romano is an amazing and excellent teacher. She taught my daughter Michelle, my grandson Amir, and my granddaughter Arianna. She has always shown she has cared about the kids,and wants them to strive.Thank very much.
You are amazing teacher. You helped me in more ways than one. Thank you f
or being one of the best teachers I have ever had.
Mrs. Ramano was my third grade teacher! She was amazing as made an impact on me as that was my last year at walnut street school :(. I hope she has a great retirement!
Congratulations Mrs.Ramano! From the hands on experience in the butterfly gardens, time capsules, and to the learning of compost and many other hands on activities! Best wishes on a very well deserved retirement! ?
My first impression came even before I met Wendy. I went to get my physical to begin working at Walnut and the nurse asked where I had gotten a job. When I answered Walnut Street School in Woodbury, she asked if Mrs. Romano was still there because she was the most amazing third grade teacher. In working with her for two years, she has lived up to those words and more. She is an advocate for her students and colleagues, a mentor and friend to all who work alongside her, and an inspiration in how she is able to academically move students with more than the expected years worth of growth. She is generous in her time and materials, kind and thoughtful with her words, and passionate about her ideas. She will truly be missed!
I have had the pleasure of working with Wendy since my first day at Walnut almost two years ago. She has genuinely supported and guided me since the beginning even when she hardly knew me. I know I can go to her with any questions or uncertainties, and she will stop what she’s doing to help me in any way that she can. She holds high expectations for her students, and they all know how much she truly cares and loves them. I love watching her teach and witnessing the amount of passion she puts into each day at school. She never slacked off even after 30+ years, and I admire that about her. She goes above and beyond for everyone especially for her students. Not only does she teach math, literacy, science and social studies, but she teaches her students how to lead and be great. She is simply an A+ teacher and human. We will all miss working with Wendy, but her retirement is well deserved!
Mrs.Romano was my 3rd grade teacher about 30 yrs ago. She was pregnant with her son Stephen. She taught me how to write in cursive and how to write envelopes to mail letters, to say the least. She was a vital, impactful influence with my education. Friendly, supportive and encouraging. I often visited and always enjoyed her conversation. Congrats on your retirement...you have done Woodbury well!
Our kids were both fortunate to have Mrs. Romano for their third grade teacher. This was the grade when they really began to buckle down and have some responsibilities. They weren’t the big kids yet but they weren’t the little kids anymore either.
I could not have asked for a better teacher to help transition them. She had so much enthusiasm for each new class that came through. You will not meet a student that didn’t love having her for a teacher. She took time to know every student very well in her class. She knew their strengths and weakness and pulled them out of their shell when needed. She always had an open door with parents and kept us involved in her classroom as well.
We wish her a very Happy retirement! She deserves nothing but the best!
The Carey Family
Three of my four Children had Mrs. Romano and I'm sure they have great memories of her! She was a teacher who truly loved what she did and cared about her students. I still remember and will never forget how she helped me get help for my daughter Sierra when she was showing some trouble learning. She did not want to see her just fall through the cracks and for that I am forever grateful. I wish my youngest was able to have her but we moved out of district in 2009, we still live very close to Walnut st. I often ride by and still to this day want to cry when I think of the wonderful memories we had there; both my kids and I. All the teachers there are great!! Congratulations and enjoy your retirement!! I'm sure you will be missed dearly at Walnut!
Oooo this brings tears to my eyes.. can’t you stay 3 more years.?? Lol jk. You are definitely one teacher my brothers still talk about. You were amazing with them and again with London. You will never know the impact you had on us as kids and again as an adult. Thank you for just being you. Walnut will truly miss you and has been blessed with you. Thank you so much for your dedication and kindness.
I always remembered Mrs Romano. As a student of hers more than. 20 years ago that says alot!!! He will always be fondly thought of as one of the teachers that made me love school and Learning!. There are rarely teachers that make sure their students have learned the task before they moved on to the next. She would always make sure you had full understanding of whatever the lesson was. In school and in life she allowed me to know that no matter what the problem , the solution is usually a group effort and never move forward unless you have it down!!! She is an outstanding teacher and an example of what is needed in schools again . People like her come few and far between bit I was lucky enough to have her as a building block in my life.
I was in Mrs. Romano's first 3rd grade class!! She was by far one of the teachers that stuck with me. In 3rd grade I didn't understand what made her a great teacher. My younger sister and brother didn't understand either but can recall she was the best. It wasn't until MY boys went to Walnut Street that I got it. The way she CARED for each individual student, the way she TAUGHT each individual, as if they were her children. My oldest son struggles with ADHD and my youngest is on the spectrum. Mrs.Romano understood what my sons needed. She allowed them to thrive in their individuality (like she did with me) and praised their right-doings (same here). My son enjoyed learning with her. She knew their strengths and weaknesses yet never made anyone feel inferior.
I knew walking through the doors of Walnut Street she would be there with a smile and a heartfelt hug. She would always ask about my life, my parents,etc. She remembered everyone and everything. As an adult I could see and feel the impact she made on my life, not just my boys.
I wish her the happiest of retirements! I know we wouldn't be who we are today without her!
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Congratulations on your retirement Ms. Romano! You were the best 3rd grade teacher a kid could ask for! I can only hope my daughters' teachers are as passionate and kind as the teachers I had at Walnut Street School.
Congratulations on your retirement Ms. Romano! You were the best 3rd grade teacher a kid could ask for! I can only hope my daughters' teachers are as passionate and kind as the teachers I had at Walnut Street School.
Wendy,
My three children all had the pleasure of having you as a teacher. As adults, they still remember your dedication and compassion in helping them to achieve. You are a true example of a teacher- one who recognizes the needs of a child, not just academically, but emotionally and mentally. I wish you much happiness in your retirement.
My daughter Bella had Mrs. Romano for third grade at Walnut, and my son Connor was lucky to have had her briefly in second grade early this year. She is such an amazing, passionate and dedicated teacher. Although we are so sad that Connor will not get to experience third grade with her next year, we wish Mrs. Romano all the best in her retirement. Enjoy your family and the beach! Walnut will never be the same. Thanks again for everything!!
I have worked with Wendy for over 20 years. It is hard to put into words what a wonderful, caring, dedicated teacher and friend she is. She is a leader at Walnut for students and staff. Wendy motivates students to be the best they can be. She does the same for teachers. Wendy's passion and love for teaching is just as strong as it was 20 years ago. It has been an honor to work with her and she will be missed. I wish her the best of luck in retirement and hope this new chapter is filled with joy and new opportunities!
What an amazing testimony for such a beautiful person.
Congratulations and enjoy your retirement, neighbor.
My daughters Desi who is going to be 24 and Lindsey aka Beanie who going to be 21has nothing but positive comments for Mrs. Ramano she will missed by her students an Co-workers! Congratulations ?????? on your retirement ENJOY ??
When I think of Wendy Romano, the most immediate word that comes to my mind is, “goals.” This term applies to Wendy in more ways than one but most simply put – Wendy is my personal goal as an educator and a human. I had the brief pleasure of working with Wendy at Walnut as I started out as a Resource Teacher and worked with some of her students for small group support. During these brief moments when transitioning students from her class to mine, I would find myself frequently having, “Wow!” moments in her room. Whether it was walking in to a completely engaged, on task, participating class and wondering how she did it without a single student distracted and always with a calm and kind tone… or if it was catching a glimpse of her executing a flawless math lesson with smoothness, clarity and mastery… or even just walking into her room to say, “hello,” without students and being in awe at how neat and organized she is – Wendy always amazed me and made me want to be a student in her classroom to soak it all up!
Beyond the classroom, Wendy is one of the most amazing human beings you will ever meet. She is funny, kind, generous, beyond humble, warm hearted, always willing to help, honest, she leads by example, caring, thoughtful, sincere, pretty much any nice adjective or phrase you can think of. Being a new teacher is hard and it is even harder when your assigned mentor is not in your building. This was the case when I started out and Wendy was so forward thinking and always checked in with me around all those extra stressful times: SGOs, PDPs, report cards, etc. to see if I needed any additional guidance or help. Wendy always gave great advice too; she helped me through many situations where I wasn’t sure what to do. I doubt Wendy even remembers any of this because it is probably second nature to her to be so helpful but she made me very grateful to be starting and learning where I was and when I was. However, out of all this and more, two thoughts will forever stay with me about Wendy. 1) When my parents passed away within a year of each other, Wendy was someone who asked if I needed anything or a person to talk to and you could tell she was sincere; it wasn’t her asking because it was the right thing to do, but because she meant it. 2) She does all that she does and is all that she is while looking AMAZING 24/7.
You rock, Wendy! You will forever be missed at Walnut and in Woodbury. You deserve every minute of sunshine and relaxation that retirement brings you. I wish you all the best!
Though I didn't get to work with Wendy for long - you don't need a lot of time to see what a wonderful teacher she is. There are people who demand respect, not in an intimidating way, but in a way where everyone just knows this person deserves it because of the way that they carry themselves. Wendy is one of those people. Her compassion for her students, fellow colleagues, and people in general is evident in everything she does. Wendy goes out of her way to help whenever she can. For example, at the end of the fifth grade graduation ceremony - she stayed and helped put the chairs and tables away and was one of the last to leave. She has also helped me become a stronger teacher through unofficial mentoring such as when she shared some of her students' writing pieces with me from the previous year to help me learn to identify their abilities as writers. Wendy, I always appreciated your sincere kindness, willingness to work, and super real but hilarious sense of humor. I wish you all the best with this new chapter in your life.
This is so well written and on point about Wendy. I worked with Wendy for several years before moving out of state. Wendy spent countless hours encouraging, leading, and guiding me in life AND in the classroom. I will forever be impacted by her love of learning and for people. When I came into work, I wanted to be a better teacher and a better person because of her influence in my life. There's no one more deserving of this award.
Mrs. Romano is one of the greats! One of my favorite teachers of all time! She left a lasting impression on most of the people I know, that she taught! Including several in my family. She was one of the most caring & dedicated teachers I had the pleasure of being taught by.
My Time at Walnut was very special, and Mrs. Romano played a vital role in that. Walnut is a small family that forms unique bonds with each other and Mrs. Romano exemplifies what it means to be a part of the Walnut family. She demonstrated every quality of a great teacher. She was kind and compassionate and would always make students feel heard and loved. She would always ask about day and always believed in me achieving my dreams. Having someone who believed and cared about me truly made a huge impact in shaping who I became. I know that she would do anything to help her students be successful and wants to see every person achieve their full potential. Even after leaving Walnut, Mrs. Romano would still keep up with updates on my life and still was cheering me on. She gives her all and is always striving to be the best teacher she can be. It’s people like her who make a difference in the lives of her students and I’m so grateful to be one of those students who got to experience her as a teacher.
I count myself lucky to have worked with Wendy Romano for the last 10 years. Wendy always knows exactly what her students need in order to grow both academically and emotionally and she works tirelessly until she sees and celebrates their growth. I work with many educators and I can honestly say I would put my child in her class because I know he would have a champion in Mrs. Romano.
Congratulations Mrs Romano and enjoy retirement!!
Wendy is a true superstar! She has been a positive influence at Walnut St. School throughout her teaching career. Her willingness to go above and beyond on a daily basis makes her an inspiration to students and co-workers alike. This amazing educator is definitely a life changer.
You are an amazing person who wears her heart on her sleeve, and always gives 100 percent. Congratulations Wendy, well deserved!
Love you Sis!!!! So proud!!!
Wendy is an amazing educator and person. I am fortunate to have worked with her and witness the results of her positive impact on the many children’a lives she has touched. Best Wishes Wendy!
Wow,what an outstanding critique!l’m sure the students must have excelled under your tutelage!
I’m proud to call you cousin!??
Oh what memories I have of you in school as a child and I cherish every moment!!! You are one of the kindest and most loving person I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing!!! And then you went on to teach my children!! They love you just as much as I do!!! I will miss you so much!!! I love you Mrs. Romano!!!!
Mrs. Romano was an amazing third grade teacher she helped me to get through elementary school and in turned helped me in life to respect myself first and this way I always respect others.... Thank You Mrs. Romano and I will nominate her for all awards and acclimation she absolutely deserves........
I always remembered Mrs Romano. As a student of hers more than. 20 years ago that says alot!!! He will always be fondly thought of as one of the teachers that made me love school and Learning!
It was an honor working with Wendy. She is filled with knowledge and truly cares about her students. I only got to work with Wendy for a short period of time but she helped reinforce my passion for working with kids. Every day she brought joy, humor, and love to each student. She served as a voice and advocate for the staff at Walnut Street. I am so happy for the next stage of her life and I hope that Wendy enjoys her time home!
I had the absolute pleasure of having Mrs. Romano as a third grade teacher. She is one of the most memorable teachers I’ve ever had. That was a year we became hands on with not only computer based learning exercises, but hands-on experiences with growing and maintaining life forms through butterflies and plants that we grew in the back of the classroom as well. Mrs. Romano also made it a point for every student to have an opportunity to shine and feel special, whether it was being a line leader, or student of the week/month. We all had a chance to feel important. I am not at all surprised she was nominated for this award; she certainly deserves it. Happy Retirement! I wish you the best.
Congratulations, Wendy! You truly are a great educator, and I was extremely lucky to be in your classroom for my student teaching. I learned so much from you! You touched my life and countless others. Best of luck to you in your retirement! Dawn Meloni
Congratulations! I will always remember our years together with fondness and humor. Remember the bats and the laminated butterfly? Good memories. I hope you enjoy your retirement. So we'll deserved. Love and hugs, Cat
Having worked with Wendy Romano this past year I have seen what a caring and compassionate teacher she is. Her students love and respect her and it was a pleasure to have been able to witness it firsthand!
Although I’ve only worked with Mrs. Romano for a short time, she was the first person to speak with me at our first back to school meeting. She then also offered me a ride back to Walnut. She’s an amazing teacher and person.
Wendy, you will be very missed! Best of everything in all your new adventures.
Wendy Romano is a rockstar educator. Day in and day out she is a professional and holds herself and her students to a high standard. In turn, she becomes a leader among colleagues to keep learning and doing our very best every day. I will miss her presence and working with her - she makes our job look very easy and she is truly dedicated and respected.
Aunt Wendy,
I think a nomination for the 'LifeChanger' award sounds pretty accurate to me! Before today, I was unaware of such an accolade, but I can't think of anyone more deserving! You have always been completely selfless to your family, friends and students. You have been one of the constant people in my life who I can always go to for all of my big and small events. You have given so much of yourself to so many, and for that, we are all grateful.
You are such an amazing aunt and friend. Congratulations on your retirement! I am so happy for you!!!
With lots of love,
Lauren Schilling
I have known Wendy Romano for over 9 years. She is an amazing educator. Her expertise in teaching her students is something to be honored. Wendy is a dedicated professional that works diligently to be sure all of her students needs are met! Wendy goes over and beyond every day for her kids. She truly deserves to be honored for a life changer award.
My son Gabriel (10th grade at GCIT) was tour student 7 years ago...that year was Gabe’s last year in Woodbury schools and we all have such fond memories. I remember the board game he created in Mrs. Romano’s class- and the support she provided when Gabe was having some tough times. Congratulations on an amazing career and enjoy retirement!
Wendy Romano is truly one of the best teachers I have had the privilege of knowing. As the School Secretary at Walnut Street School, it was my pleasure and honor to witness Mrs. Romano’s magic every day. She was the consummate professional mixed with kindness and experience! Mrs. Romano was truly a life changer for many students and a life role model for everyone!
Mrs. Romano! Good luck on the next chapter! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for having a part in all 3 of my children’s education!! May God bless you for all you have done for ALL of the children!! Love the Cortés Family!!
I could not be more proud of my sister, Wendy! There is no one more deserving of the Life Changer Award. Wendy has undeniably made a positive impact on her students, their parents, and her colleagues as well. She will certainly be missed at Walnut St. School.
I have witnessed first-hand her monumental and selfless decision to formally adopt one of her students. This was in itself a sacrifice that few teachers would be willing to make; however, Wendy worked diligently to provide for her a loving, supportive, permanent home.
When I think of teachers who have made a difference, without a doubt, Wendy is at the top of my list.
Congratulations on your well deserved retirement, sis! You’ve certainly earned it!
Congratulations, Aunt Wendy! So proud of you! Love always, Brittany!
Mrs. Wendy Romano was my third grade teacher. I was definitely a handful of a student, but when I was 10 years old to my surprise I found out that Mrs. Romano was going to adopt me and welcome me into her family. That was 15 years ago, and so much has happened. She is an amazing mom through all of our ups and downs. I love you mom and congratulations on your retirement ??
You were my third grade teacher wayyyyyy back in the day. Congratulations!
I was one of the lucky students that got to have Mrs. Romano as a 3rd grade teacher. She put her whole heart and mind into everything she did for her students. I have had the pleasure of working with her and learning from her for the past 2 years, and she is still the same hard working, dedicated, and compassionate teacher that she was almost 20 years ago. This woman deserves this award and so much more. She has the “it” factor that it takes to be a great teacher, and I strive to find that in the work that I do with my kids each and every day.
WOW cannot believe you are retiring...always looked like one of the students!!! Tori, Zachary and Katherine all enjoyed having you!!! Enjoy retirement and being with your family!!!
I worked with Wendy at Walnut Street School as an Instructional Assistant. I‘ve been teaching my own 3rd grade class for 6 years now and model a lot of my teaching strategies after things I learned through Wendy. She taught me classroom management, shared many skills and let me try new instructional activities with students. She still is one of the most respected and caring teachers I’ve worked with!
Wendy Romano is an extraordinary woman who has changed so many students lives. I had Mrs. Romano as a teacher for the year of 2002-2003. After I went of to the Jr./Sr. High school I visited. It was not until 2011, that I was in her class room again but this time as a Furture Teacher. She was an incredible mentor and friend to me. Fast forward to 2015 I got to work again at Walnut St. School as a teachers aide in the new Preschool. I was thrilled she was still there and my once teacher was now one of my co-workers. She goes above and beyond with all her students, and will leave an amazing mark on Walnut St School forever.
In the ten years that I worked at the Walnut Street School as a secretary, I saw on a daily basis the dedication, love, and commitment that Wendy Romano brought to her profession. Wendy is an amazing teacher, a beautiful person, and a friend to so many at the school. I wish her much love and luck in her retirement. She deserves every minute of it. Love you Wendy!
Third grade was one of my favorite and most memorable years at Walnut St. Elementary. It was my first year there coming from a different elementary school and Mrs. Romano made me feel more than welcome and included as part of the Walnut family! I can still vividly remember doing times tables in her class like it was yesterday.
I have been blessed to work with Wendy Romano since 2002. When I first arrived at Walnut Street School, I moved into the third floor classroom down the hall. It was a time before we had air conditioning and I was sweating a new class in just my 5th year of teaching. I would see Wendy working hard, day in and day out, with a husband and two kids at home and passion for her students at school.
Fast forward 18 years and some things have changed. Her upstairs classroom no longer exists. It was demolished in 2008 because it was part of the section of the building that was constructed in the 1800s. She now teaches in the classroom directly under mine. Now, my own two children are the ages that hers were when I first met her. And we now have air conditioning.
However, some very important things have NOT changed. Wendy still works hard, day in and day out with three kids who have moved out on their own and the very same unwavering passion for her students at school. She has grown to be one of my best friends and mentors throughout my career. She always makes time to listen and has seen me through life's ups and downs along with the ups and downs of the job we share.
I truly want her to know that there is something profound in her consistency. It is a light for students, colleagues, and friends alike. She is a blessing in my life and I am grateful that I have been able to work with her for these many years.