Many students are aware that Ms. Waters, our school librarian, is retiring this semester. Halloween was her last day of school before she embarked on a new chapter of her life. This decision is bittersweet, but she is ready for the change. In an interview regarding her career, Ms. Waters shares her wisdom on being a librarian and caring for students across JCPS.
“You wear a lot of hats. It’s kind of a catch all job” Being a librarian entails so much more than books and shelving. Ms. Waters spends her time helping students and staff locate essential information. “The other day, Ms. Cindy and I looked up early voting places for a staff member.” The Atherton library is a valuable amenity, and the librarians are resources that are vital to the flow of the school.
Ms. Waters began her career in JCPS as a teacher. After obtaining her masters in teaching, she got a position from Field Elementary to teach English and Science to fourth and fifth grade. “The kids called my room a second library,” she reflects, which inspired her to get a library degree. She explains that the transition from the classroom was difficult, yet rewarding. “Then you’re in a classroom, you have your set of kids all year long. They become your family” As a librarian, she no longer had a set of personal kids. Instead, she was exposed to the whole school, staff included. “It broadens your focus,” she remarks. As she nears retirement, Ms. Waters is regretful to leave the students.
“For me, it’s always been about the kids,” she states on her time across JCPS. She has always aimed to help students to the best of her ability. She hopes the library will offer future resources on technology and digital literacy.
As for her future beyond school, Ms. Waters is excited to travel and spend time with family. “People may or may not know that I’m a big traveler,” she reveals. In Scotland, she plans to walk the West Highland Way. While she is sad to leave the students, she is ultimately ready for the freedom of retirement.
