So long, and thanks for all the fish.

 If you are reading this then you followed the breadcrumb I left in my email. Way to go! Your reward is, what I hope to be, a heartfelt note of appreciation and admiration as I close a chapter in my career.

 Leaving a place you love is very difficult. Especially after 15 years. I have a mix of bittersweet feelings: sadness for what I am leaving behind and excitement for what's ahead. UM holds countless memories, relationships, and experiences that have shaped me. I feel a sense of loss and nostalgia, but it's also an opportunity for growth and new adventures. I will cherish the memories and I will carry the lessons and experiences with me. UM will always be a part of me, no matter where I go.

 Let me tell you a story. A little more than 15 years ago I interviewed for the role of educational support technician (iHelp) in front of a panel of 10 people. During that interview, I asked, “What is the biggest challenge you see for someone in this position?"  Mark answered that the person who got this job would get a ton of great experience and would take that experience and leave shortly for greener pastures. He said he would really like to see a 5 year commitment from that person. I told him that, if offered the position, I would stay for 5 years. Mark was right! I did get a ton of experience and after 5 years I started to look elsewhere. Mark convinced me to stick around and something would open up. It took another year or two but eventually I was promoted to Educational Technology Specialist! I spent the next years learning even more and in the process we built 3 new buildings. Then Mark retired and things didn't go as planned. So here I am with all this great experience and knowledge with no next step to take at UM. I believe it's time to leave in search of a new perspective.

“Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans” - Allen Saunders

 While we were busy making other plans I have grown to become part of an amazing and large family of Vikings. Along the way I have made many friends and been a part of many fantastic events. I have so many memories I could tell stories for weeks. I will never forget all the conversations we have had, from educational philosophy to physics. I have learned about your families, we have shared conversations about new marriages, babies and sadly even divorce and loss of loved ones. I will never forget all the fun times we had, Bowling tournaments,  Volleyball tournaments, Golf outings, Robotics Club, School Plays, Staff Lunches, Minithon, cornhole, happy hours and all the stuff that happens in between classes.

 You have helped me raise my children! This can not be overstated. You know my boys, you have played a role in their lives. You have spent years molding them. I can't even begin to express my most sincere gratitude for this. Nothing is more important to me than my boys and I have always been confident that they were in the best hands possible. Ok, you may be thinking "This guy is pouring it on thick" or "He doesn't mean me" But if you can pick my kid out of a crowd or if he knows your name, you have made an impact in his life. We are very fortunate to have a ton of great teachers at UM. You are often undervalued by parents and sometimes undervalued by administration but I hold you in the highest esteem. Most people wouldn’t survive one week, putting up with what you put up with. 

To the Tech Department: 

I’m sorry. 

This is not the end. My son’s still go to UM. I hope to still mentor the robotics club. I will still be a part of the community. Who knows where I will turn up. You haven’t seen the last of me. 

Where am I going?

I am going to work for Collegium Charter school in Exton PA. I will be the Network and Systems Administrator. Wherever my path leads, Upper Merion is where home is. 

Excelsior!

Bill

Random facts from the past 15 years

I have lived in three different houses. 

My son was 1 year old when I started. He is now starting his Junior year. 

UM has had 4 superintendents. 3 Business managers, 2 HR directors and 1 Pete Dieciedue

We have knocked down 3 school buildings. 

We have refreshed teacher and high school macbooks 5 times. 

We have graduated roughly 4000 students

We closed over 25000 help tickets

My desk has been in four different buildings

15 years ago

Netflixs’ revenue was mostly from sending you DVD’s

The original iphone was for sale and people waited hours in line to get one.

AOL dial-up internet was still available

Macbooks had CD players

Most people took pictures with a digital camera

Instagram was still 1 year away from launch

# = pound

The Nintendo Wii was the best selling video game console. 

Tesla sold its first car

Barack Obama was elected president