In life, endings are inevitable. Whether it's completing a class, wrapping up an athletic season, or finishing a year of advisory, the conclusion of an experience can evoke a mix of emotions—joy, nostalgia, perhaps even a hint of sadness. Endings also present us with opportunities for reflection, celebration, and growth. As teachers, coaches, or advisors, it's crucial to guide our students through these transitions with grace and meaning, leaving them with a sense of closure and belief that our time together meant something. And the same concepts can be applied to our relationships with our staff and colleagues. Here's how we can finish and close out an experience in a way that maintains boundaries, teaches about transitions, and honors the time spent together:
Reflection and Gratitude
Encourage students and staff to reflect on their experience. Prompt them to consider their achievements, challenges they've overcome, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Foster an atmosphere of gratitude by having them express appreciation for the support they've received from peers, mentors, and themselves. Reflection creates opportunity to gain perspective and acknowledge the significance of experiences, paving the way for meaningful conclusions.
Celebrating Achievements
Every accomplishment, no matter how big or small, deserves recognition. Organize a ceremony or gathering where people can celebrate their achievements together. Highlight individual and collective successes, applauding efforts, perseverance, and growth. By celebrating achievements, we validate hard work and dedication, and instill confidence and a sense of pride in accomplishments.
Acknowledging Growth
Growth is an integral part of any experience. Encourage all to recognize the personal and academic growth they've undergone throughout their journey. Whether it's improved skills, increased confidence, or newfound perspectives, acknowledging growth reinforces the value of the experience and empowers students to continue evolving in the future.
Embracing Closure
As the end approaches, it's essential to help people embrace closure. Provide opportunities for closure rituals, such as writing farewell letters, creating collages of memorable moments, facilitating 360 compliment activities, or sharing reflections with peers. Closure rituals allow a symbolic marking of the end of one chapter while preparing to transition to the next. Emphasize that endings signify new beginnings and encourage groups to approach the future with optimism and enthusiasm.
Offering Words of Wisdom
In moments of transition, students and staff often seek guidance and reassurance. Offer words of wisdom that inspire and motivate them as they embark on new journeys. Share anecdotes, quotes, or personal insights that resonate with the theme of endings and new beginnings. Encourage students to carry these words with them as they navigate future endeavors, reminding them of the lessons learned and the potential that lies ahead.
If your time as a teacher, coach, or advisor to a specific group of students is coming to an end, you might consider some words of closure that honor your time together, and encourage them to take steps to find mentors and trusted adults next year. Below is an example of a note one teacher wrote to his advisees as they closed out the year:
"As we reach the end of our journey together, I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you. Your individual contributions to our time together mattered and are appreciated. I learned something from every one of you. While our day to day role in each other’s lives may shift, I want you to know that I will continue to care about you. I am honored to have had the chance to spend this time with you, and I encourage you to reach out to find new mentors and trusted adults next year…and keep old ones up to date on the adventures life brings you!"
Honoring and finishing an experience is a meaningful process that requires reflection, celebration, and closure. By guiding students and staff through these transitions with intention and compassion, we empower them to embrace endings as catalysts for growth and transformation.
Looking for an advisory plan to help you close out the year and honor everyone’s contributions? Check out this 3P Plan from OTA.