The Final Days: What I’m Leaving Behind and What I’m Taking With Me

Hey friends, This episode is raw, real, and—let’s be honest—brutally honest.

After 29 years in the classroom, I’m down to my final days as a teacher. This isn’t just a farewell; it’s a reckoning. I’m pulling back the curtain to share what I built, what I loved, what nearly broke me, and what I’m carrying with me into whatever comes next.

✨ Whether you’re a fellow educator, someone navigating a major life pivot, or just curious about what it’s like to walk away from a decades-long identity—this one’s for you.

In this three-part episode, I unpack:

📚 Part 1: What I’m Taking With Me From matchmaking students during literary analysis to decoding Axe body spray clouds in the hallway—these are the skills, stories, and soul-shaping moments I’ll never forget. Deep listening, classroom improv, open mics, student-driven learning, and the ability to build community through Buzzfeed quizzes and literary tears alike.

📸 Part 2: What I’m Leaving Behind Let’s get honest: I’m leaving behind the mental load, the never-ending grading, the guilt, the martyrdom, the impossible standards, and yes—staff meeting icebreakers. (IYKYK.) Also not missing: mystery vapes in the bathroom, forgotten SD cards, and “How many points is this worth?” echoing in my nightmares.

🌀 Part 3: Becoming Rachel Again Who am I when I’m not “Ms. Rauch”? I’m finding out—slowly, awkwardly, and with a surprising amount of joy. This ending is creating space for something new. A new identity. New rhythms. New ways to use my voice and talents—without bells or bells schedules. And I’m finally learning to measure worth by something other than awards and productivity.

💬 Quote to Hold Onto: "Sometimes the most important lesson isn’t what we teach others—but how we ourselves learn and grow along the way."

🛎️ Tune in as I ring the bell one last time—and invite you to turn the page with me.

🔗 Connect with Me → Website: lifesnextlessonplan.com → Instagram and YouTube: @lifesnextlessonplan