Losing another work apprentice

Always so bittersweet to see someone who came in with lots of raw talent leave a polished professional, confident and ready to become a leader in the field.  I shouldn't get so attached to them. But there is a reason that about 40%-50% of my time is taken up working with the younger staff. And yes, I have an actual mentorship/apprenticeship plan.

It doesn't work with all of them. Apprenticeships are highly personal things. But when it does work it can be so amazingly transformative. 

Usually early on, there is a point where I say: "don't try to be me. You are not me. It took me 10, 15, lots and lots of years to learn to be me. You need to learn how to be you. Watch what i do and how I do it. Keep asking the questions. Remember the things that I tell you that are "skills" are different than figuring out your own methods and your own voice. There are a lot of right ways to do this job. Find your own voice. Don't try to use mine.

Kate's last day is tomorrow. She is leaving after 3 years for a huge promotion in our world. It's a tough job, but she totally is ready. I am so proud, and I am so going to miss her (although it's not like she is dead, and this is a small town).

The problem with our two-year fellowship program is that losing an apprentice to the real world used to be much less frequent. It's hard not to get emotionally attached. Frankly, I don't know how regular teachers do it.

( Major Ashes to Ashes spoiler )