Office 2225B on the second floor of the Newton Building on the campus of Georgia Southern University. A second home. For a long time.
But my office is cleared out now, books all boxed and removed. Quieter than it has been in eons. Computer-humming quiet. My office phone suddenly shy, afraid to ring and disturb emptiness.
I’m retiring from full-time college teaching.
This evening, after my last set of finals is turned in, I will walk out my door and down my little hallway for the final time as a professor at GSU.
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The Walk.
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Goodbye, goodbye little hallway! Goodbye, goodbye GSU!
Hello, hello ….
NealEnJoy 
You are a funny guy! Congrats on retirement! I’m loving retirement, working a bit but finding lots of other things to do! Just hit the five year mark and haven’t looked back once!
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Wow, John. You’re a pro at it. I may need lessons.
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Congratulations on your entrance into a new phase of your life! I retired from the public school system in 2006, but haven’t stopped working yet. Part-time is great! It gives me time to do lots of others things I enjoy. I hope your retirement will be filled with all of your favorite things (and people!)
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Thanks, Deborah. I am REALLY excited about this new phase! And the idea of part-time sounds wonderful.
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I’ll be honest, Neal. I might have teared up a bit as I scrolled through the pictures. I’ll miss seeing you on the hall and finding little cards in my mailbox at the end of each semester. Don’t be a stranger!
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Aww. I’m gonna miss all you hallmates SO MUCH! You’ll have to regularly send me pics of your outfits whenever June or Blair ooh and ahh.
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GSU is suffering a loss what with BOTH the Saye’s retiring 🙂 Keep us posted on your adventures, you will be missed.
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Thanks so much, Taylor. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to have you in a class. Have a great rest of the summer!
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Neal, Neal, Neal . . . Newton without you?!? And Georgia Southern? I started this morning with you on the virtual campus tour—climbing trees, boarding bikes, standing on walls, falling into flowers—and am ending my day with you as you say goodbye to our little hall. Remember when I was in the office where Amanda is, and David and Peter were across the way? And now, you’re gifting us with a photographic transition from here to there, still building bridges as you did in your diss, Dr. Saye. How many times professor of the year? How many students’ lives changed? How many colleagues’ lives enriched by your listening, your easy smile and nod? Innumerable. How large your influence on the art of teaching? Immeasurable.
And now, your fans go with you via NealEnJoy to experience life beyond the Newton classrooms. A cup of tea awaits—no, make that a pot, and outdoors. You’re the coolest of the cool. Show us the way!
love you, man,
Laura, who knows her ABCs
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Yes, yes I will never forget your superior knowledge of your ABC’s, Laura. Thanks for your always tremendously encouraging input into my life. I’m so glad we are buds. And yes, on to the tea!
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Are you really retiring? That’s a mixed blessing. Best wishes and now starts another chapter of your life!
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Thanks, Jamie. I like the idea of new chapters!
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Dr. Saye
I can’t believe you’re leaving! I had all hopes of taking another class with you before graduating! Now what am I going to do?! Who’s going to give me all the compliments I long to hear?!!! 😉 You are an amazing professor and you most certainly made me a better writer. You have extreme skillz! I wish you all the best in whatever adventure and staring fight you find yourself in next.
From a student who will most certainly miss you,
Shannon King
(Everyday Creative Writing, Fall 2011)
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Shannon, I will never, ever forget our terrific Everyday Creative Writing class. What a fun semester! And your Life Motto project was one of the best I’ve ever seen. I loved the tableau (is that what you call it?). Comment on the blog from time to time. I love hearing from students.
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The shepherd leaves his sheep for his journey in the desert.
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I need that fascinating statement broken down and analyzed completely, Josh. By Monday. 12.0 font, doublespaced, 4-6 pages. Proof and edit carefully. MLA documentation.
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I can’t believe you are retiring! Congratulations! I am so looking forward to that soon!
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Hey Nita. I can’t either! How did that happen? But I’m very excited.
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Congrats on your retirement! I know it’s probably bitter sweet but just know you will be missed ^_^
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Thanks so much, Ashanti. I am gonna miss all you guys SO much too.
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I envy you, Neal. As Mark Richardson used to say, I’ll probably be trudging on to class, oxygen tank and all, now and forever! I will miss your excellent sense of humor. And thank you for the card :>>!
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I was thinking about taking a writing class just to have you as a professor again. I guess that is out of the question. Good luck in this next step in your life! I won’t soon forget the semester full of exploring happiness.
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Please note that I’m not liking this post because I’m not liking that you’re retiring! I’m going to miss you so much, and I can’t wait to see where you go next!
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We MUST stay close, like Bonnie and Clyde.
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