Summer is rapidly approaching; translated, precious little time will be spent in front of a computer, but much time will be spent outside running, biking, golfing, mowing, lounging--you get the picture. Here's hoping you have enjoyed my entries this year. If you have missed any and would like to see them, please visit my Facebook page or michaelagunther.blogspot.com. I hope to return to "Views from the Hot Seat" sometime near the end of 2014--enjoy your summer!
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I like people . . . most of them anyway. As a result, I frequently enjoy conversation about a variety of topics: ones I really know, ones I partially know, and even ones I sometimes have a hard time following. Bottom line is I enjoy talking (surprised?), and I also enjoy listening, although my wife tells me I still have "room to grow" in that area. Well, since I have been retired, the one question I have most frequently been asked is "So, how's retirement?" The truth is I appreciate people taking the time to ask because at this point in my life it is a great conversation starter . . . seems to beat the ol' standby of talking about the weather. Therefore, to set the record straight and as I conclude my first academic year of retirement, here is my reaction to that question (with a bit of lead-in to go with it):
First, I retired not because I really wanted to--the State Teachers' Retirement System basically forced the issue. Due to my having taught thirty-five years in the public schools, if I had worked another year, I would have had to take less money in my yearly pension for the balance of my life--common sense, of course, dictated that was not a wise economic decision. Thus, I submitted my paperwork to the proper officials, "crossed my t's and dotted my i's," and prepared for my next act. Walking away from my students and my peers was not easy, believe me. I had made my living and earned my reputation because of my interplay with those people--it was a rare day when I did not look forward to those interactions. A mutual respect creates a healthy work environment . . . and that is exactly what I had experienced throughout my career. However, I knew because of my antsy personality that simply walking away was not for me. Instead, I had to have something to go to . . .but how to get "there" was the challenge. Thus began the next part of my life.
I had always wanted to teach at the college level; in fact, my Master's Degree had an emphasis on college administration--the intrigue of a college campus was ingrained in me when I was at Kent State University as an undergrad--I loved it. Because of that longtime interest, I set my sights on getting hired at that level; fortunately, for me, Walsh University was impressed with my credentials and hired me as an adjunct English professor for the 2013-2014 academic year, allowing me to teach three introductory writing classes during the fall semester and two during the spring semester (additionally, I have been hired for the 2014-2015 academic year). As of this writing, I am thrilled that I am working there--differences certainly exist, but that sounds like an entry for another day. By getting out of bed every day and heading to classes of students, I am still doing what I truly enjoy. Answer #1: Retirement is allowing me to expand my experiences and enter a somewhat different, yet quite familiar, world.
My life seemingly has revolved around schedules, primarily those controlled by school bells, which, incidentally, I really never want to hear again. By retiring, I allowed myself the opportunity to create a more flexible lifestyle. As a result, I began golfing more, reuniting with high school teammates and other friends on a regular basis and thoroughly enjoying the camaraderie; also, I returned to reading on an everyday basis--when teaching, I found myself constantly reading to merely keep abreast of my classroom obligations. Once retired, I resumed reading whatever I want whenever I want; numerous magazines have always entered our house weekly, so combining those with numerous books has allowed me to be reunited with a lifetime passion. Answer #2: I have found myself enjoying my friends' companionship, and I have rediscovered why reading has always captivated me. I should add that despite my increase in golfing time, my game still struggles . . . hope to get on that this summer!
For many years, I have detailed family and friends' vehicles; therefore, in warmer weather months, I spend considerable time doing just that. Cleaning cars is somewhat of a mindless activity for me yet one I thoroughly enjoy. I put my music on my stereo, letting combinations of all kinds rip through the garage--many times I "put my groove on" and move, particularly when Southside Johnny, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bob Seger, John Cougar Mellencamp, or Kid Rock are lighting it up. Answer #3: My pride in seeing sharp, shiny vehicles allows me to create just that in an atmosphere I control.
Yet another project has come my way; without divulging details, I was contacted about writing a book reflecting the oral history of an area citizen. Because of my past collaborating with my students in writing a book series focusing on area Vietnam veterans, I was approached about this project. As a result, I am engrossed in this activity and am thoroughly enjoying yet another challenge. Along that same line, I have been proofreading documents for businesses and various individuals, something I do enjoy. Coupled with those interests, I have also been privately tutoring students as they prepare for their ACT English test. Answer #4: New projects are allowing me to use my skills, thus once again giving me goals for which to strive.
Additionally, I have been asked to join the Muskingum Conservancy District Advisory Board; while I am careful not to get too involved in a slew of activities, I grew up in a boating family, enjoying many area lakes, and have always had a sincere interest in the Conservancy's work, so that opportunity is one I appreciate. Answer #5: I am free to be selective about what activities I want to be associated.
Finally, I am pursuing something I have wanted to do for a while: writing this blog. My interest was stirred over a year ago when Dick Farrell wrote that due to the decline of newspaper readers, social media was becoming an attractive way to acquire and distribute news. The wheels began turning at that time, but I never allowed myself the time to write . . . today I have that time, and I have that outlet to pursue my passion for writing. Answer #5: I have the time and freedom to branch out and pursue my interests.
(I have been asked if I miss coaching . . .the answer is "sometimes," but I have already addressed that topic in a previous blog.)
Put this all together, and here is my answer: Yes, I am loving retirement; as the old saying goes, "It doesn't pay real well, but the benefits are great!" I should add: . . . as long as I have something to go to!
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As most know, I have been a fervent supporter of building a new high school in Dover; however, our most recent attempt to persuade our voters to support a bond issue failed. In coaching, one key lesson I have learned is when I lose, I evaluate why, regroup, and move forward. Therefore, I cannot state that I am angry--disappointed, yes, but not really angry. I continue to hold on to a sliver of optimism that our community is not deteriorating to a level we will one day regret, so I refuse to circle the wagons.
As I have been asked many times, what will happen now? Obviously, I do not have an answer, but after having defeated two attempts at renovation and two attempts at building new, the voting members of Dover (the few who actually choose to participate in the voting process) have essentially said, "We don't want to do anything." That answer is clear to me. . . "if it costs money, we ain't doin' it!"
While it is true that a group of "concerned" citizens came forward near the end of this campaign to voice their opposition, I remain unconvinced that they played a significant role in the bond issue's defeat. However, this quasi-organized opposition did surface, so I find it essential to turn the "ball" over to them at this point, but I do so with five pieces of advice:
*Recognize that regardless of whatever option is proposed, a majority vote of our constituents must be won; in short, a logical approach does not always sway enough voters regardless of the argument's validity.
*Thoroughly understand the options available to fund Ohio's schools, whether it be new construction or renovation--understanding the complexities of school financing is not for the casual observer.
*Consider that the current and previous boards of education as well as the administration have been wrestling with this dilemma for many years--please do not make the mistake of thinking that renovation was not thoroughly investigated, given the options available via Ohio's way of financing schools and trying to best utilize available funding.
*Demonstrate the courage to get involved as individuals rather than choosing to hide behind the shield of "Concerned Citizens," a rather cowardly approach considering that public meetings/forums had been ongoing for over three years and not one time did the "concerned citizens" advocate their position . . . tough to step forth when individuals do not attend the meetings and publicly voice their concerns.
*Demonstrate a credibility in leadership; if a campaign to renovate truly is important to this clandestine group and is to be accepted by our taxpayers, then the leaders of the campaign must have openness, credibility, and an understanding to accept public scrutiny and criticism . . . sorry, it goes with the territory.
Having said that, I eagerly await their next step--if their mission means enough, they will proceed!
