Farewell E-mail

Greetings,

It is with overwhelming appreciation that I write this farewell e-mail. You are receiving this e-mail because somewhere along the last ten years our paths have crossed in our mutual efforts to improve public education.

I know these are challenging and difficult times but I am hopeful and inspired by all of the great people I have worked with and who dedicate every day of their lives to improve public education for the kids of Los Angeles. Ten years ago I walked out as a high school senior to advocate for the completion of the Belmont Learning Center. My high school was severely overcrowded and desperate for relief. Ten years later, I am proud to be a part of an evolution of education improvement and reform. There are now three additional high schools in the Belmont area. All of this was possible because of dedicated people like you.

I had the pleasure and honor of working to implement Proposition 39 and Public School Choice. Both controversial programs but when done right, have the potential of changing the lives of generations of students for the better. While I know many of us have different opinions about how best to educate kids, at the end of the day I know we all agree that giving them the best education is the ultimate goal. As long as we work together, we can make anything possible for kids because there is no single solution.

I have learned so much and met so many talented people while at LAUSD. I know many of those relationships will continue but even if they don’t, I know the shared commitment to kids will always carry on. I hope to stay in touch and offer my personal e-mail: anateresa25@aol.com.

What’s next? I am planning to travel and get married. I hope to write about my experience as a student, daughter of LAUSD educators, charter school movement employee, Board office Assistant Field Deputy, Facilities staff member and most recently, Special Assistant to the Superintendent. I also want to write about this next journey...my walkout for myself. Walking out ten years ago led me to where I leave today. I look forward to learning where this walkout for myself leads me next. I plan to chronicle all of this in my new blog: http://walkout2010.blogspot.com/

So with that, I wish you nothing but the best and leave you with this parting quote:

So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.
- Christopher Reeve

Take care,
Ana

PS After September, I will no longer be Ana Teresa Fernandez BUT Ana Teresa Dahan! : )

June 30, 2010

Greetings friends and family,

Today marks a momentous day in my life. It is my last day at LAUSD and the first day of the rest of my life. I don't know what will happen next but this blog will follow that journey. I am open to all possibilities and thankful for the blessed life and opportunities I have been provided. More to come...stay tuned!

XOXO,
Ana