A Letter to My Younger Self

By Mrs.Lori Barrios

My Reflections

Thank you Richland! Thank you for sharing this journey with me. Thank you for entrusting me with the academic, emotional and social growth of our littlest Mustangs. It seems like only yesterday I was so excited to be preparing for my very first day of teaching. And now, 30 years later, I find myself preparing my heart to say good-bye. This has truly been my second home and you my extended family. My heartfelt gratitude to you all for making my time at Richland so AMAZING! I will miss you all terribly, but please remember, I will be poolside if anyone needs to find me!

I was asked to reflect on what advice I would give my younger self given what I know now. I think some of my favorite lines from the poem, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” by Robert Fulghum, best reflects how I feel after teaching kindergarten all these years.

…ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW about how to live

and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten.

Share everything.

Play fair.

Don’t hit people.

Put things back where you found them.

Clean up your own mess.

Don’t take things that aren’t yours.

Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.

Wash your hands before you eat.

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

Be aware of wonder.

And it is still true, no matter how old you are –

when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.

Please always remember to be kind to yourself. Life is about learning. Mistakes are allowed. Often it is those mistakes that lead us in the direction of our greatest successes, our most memorable experiences and our most fulfilling purpose. Don't be in a rush, make sure to take the time to enjoy every minute!