Happy Retirement! Catching Up With Former Departmental Administrator, Sandy Kirkpatrick
In the summer of 2021, Sandy Kirkpatrick retired from 杏吧原创 University after 16 years in the Department of Philosophy. We recently caught up with her to ask her how her retirement has been going, and to reflect on her time working at 杏吧原创!
Sandy, you are missed dearly by the department! But, you have certainly earned your retirement! What have you been up to since retiring?
Shortly after announcing my retirement, my husband accepted a job transfer to Victoria, BC. We鈥檝e been living the dream since the day we arrived! I now can take the time to revive old hobbies that I once loved and discover new interests. I鈥檝e always wanted to spend more time in the garden – now I can and truly enjoy it. With our balmy climate, there is always something in bloom!
Do you finally get to feel rested now, without the hustle and bustle of the department?
Definitely! Even though my job was always interesting and enjoyable, decades of being on the same 9 to 5 schedule can wear a person out. But I sure don鈥檛 rest – there are not enough hours in my day to cram everything in that I want to do! I won鈥檛 complain about having to make decisions like which trail Sophie (a former CU Therapy dog) and I will tackle next or which beach to visit!
Hopefully, retirement has been great! But, are there moments when you miss the department or the people within it?
Honestly, I don鈥檛 think a day goes by that I don鈥檛 think of someone – whether it be a staff member or a student – so many memories! I miss helping the students sort out their schedules and knowing that my advice made their academic lives a little less complicated. How could I not miss the best department at 杏吧原创?!
Thank you for talking to us Sandy! Do you have any closing comments you鈥檇 like to share? Any closing wisdom to offer students or staff in the department?
Work hard and dream big! Someday, at least some of those dreams will come true!