Reflections on Letting Go and Embracing New Beginnings
Lisa Potter 
A Full-Circle Moment
This past week, we packed up two carloads of my daughter’s essentials for the next chapter of her life: college. It feels like a full-circle moment. Ashlynn was four years old during her first visit to Cornell. At the time, I was working on my master’s degree at the Industrial and Labor Relations school and spent two weeks on the Ithaca campus. Similar to some other parents, I was working full-time and raising young children while pursuing my education part-time.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
During this already challenging period of my life, my mom passed away, and I became a caregiver to my stepdad. That was when we came to realize that he wasn’t just occasionally forgetful—he was suffering from dementia. There were many times that I wanted to completely quit school, my job, or my yoga training. Instead, I took off one semester to manage my mother’s estate. My yoga teacher wouldn’t allow me to take a break from the training. In retrospect, those intense yoga weekends probably saved me from losing my sanity. It was the only time that I was able to practice self-care.
During this taxing time, one of the few things that would bring me comfort was knowing that, despite everything, my children were continuing to learn and thrive. The public schools were keeping their education on track. With what seemed like endless responsibilities on my plate, not having to worry about their schooling was a huge relief.
A Milestone for the Family
As we drove through the beautiful campus and unloaded the car, a wave of emotions hit me—pride, excitement, and yes, a bit of apprehension. This moment marked a significant milestone, not just for her, but for our entire family. Watching her take this big step toward independence filled me with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that we had prepared her as best we could for this next chapter.
I comfort myself with the thought that I gave everything I had, and now my attention turns toward my son and back to myself. I think that the panic of being an empty nester will truly set in when my son goes off to college. I’ve been playing the role of mother for so long that I’ve almost forgotten how to mother myself.
As I look ahead, I feel a mix of excitement and guilt. Excitement for what lies ahead in my career and my growing passion to make a greater impact in our community. Guilt because it feels strange to shift focus to my own ambitions after so many years of centering everything around my kids. I always have tried to impart to them that life isn’t only about income, but also impact.
Why I'm Running for the Board of Education
That brings me back to why I’m running for the Board of Education. Just as I found comfort in knowing that my children’s education was in good hands during difficult times, I would like to ensure that all parents in our community have that same peace of mind. Our schools should be a place where children continue to grow, no matter how busy or challenging life becomes for their families. Together, let’s build a future where every parent can trust that their child’s education is secure, allowing them to focus on other demands of life.
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Categories: : #reflection
