Extending My Stay – Column by Kris Ward

It’s Official! I can breathe a sigh of relief and finally start making some real plans. What’s changed and why do I seem so relieved…well as I mentioned in previous columns (posts), I relocated from my hometown Cornwall to Kingston when I accepted a contract position at St. Lawrence College. It was a risk, as at the end of the contract, I could be out of work, required to change position or any number of scenarios. At the time I expected to stay until August, and timed my lease to that one year time-frame. Since it was a temporary position I had to be ready for the uncertainty. The person I replaced applied for and received a full time position in another department so mine was posted and open to everyone 5 months earlier than expected.

I was excited at the prospect of the temporary position turning permanent but there was no guarantee. I went through the stressful two interview process and rewrote my resume to include all the new skills I have acquired and showcase all my past and now transferable skills, then all I could do is wait. After many sleepless nights and re-enacting scenarios, I was cautiously optimistic, and it was amazing how many of my friends quoted me and my past columns. The full-time position became official on Monday and I now am the permanent tri-campus Alumni & Donor Relations Officer, a position I am honored to have.

So now I can say that I will be extending my stay in my new place, indefinitely. When the announcement was made I received countless notes, emails, calls and postings congratulating me on the new/old position from Cornwall to Kingston. I am thankful and feel blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. Looking back, it was a risk, and if nothing else, I could look back at it as an adventure, an amazing experience, the spring-board to letting go of things that had long past exceeded need, the reinforced independence and a sense of accomplishment.

I realize that my temporary life held me back from making certain decisions, and I never wanted to get too comfortable in my new surroundings in case I had to leave early. In a way it is sad, but it is also self-preservation. So do I feel different now knowing I have a sense of stability? I always speak of seeking that soft place to land and although I am still hesitant to say I have found it, I know that I am making steps to my new life.

Does this mean I am no longer part of Cornwall? Absolutely not!

The lanyard for my keys, although it is getting a little ratty, is the “Choose Cornwall” I have used for years, the key chain is “Heart of The City” where I proudly was a member of the executive committee and former Marketing Chair and as soon as the weather gets a little warmer, I will proudly wear my Team Cornwall white coat. In addition, because I am tri-campus, I still organize events, and look after bursaries and scholarships as well as donor relations in Cornwall, Brockville and Kingston. Next weekend I will be back for The Sharks Hockey Alumni Reunion & Alumni Family Skate at the Benson Centre and SLC, and I returned from GradFair celebrations for our Brockville and Cornwall students last week. Cornwall is where a big par of my heart is, where most of my family and close friends are.

The biggest change my new position is giving me, is the ability to establish some new roots. I may be able to take a class, or join a group. I also am eyeing those last few boxes, that mentally I have not been able to unpack yet. I think I left a few so I wouldn’t get too comfortable and if I had to leave, I’d be ready. So looks like it is time to unpack and start settling in. Happy Easter!