Saying Goodbye 說再見確真不容易

Below is a recent electronic mail (e-mail) communication back and forth between myself and a colleague who recently submitted his resignation.  I particuarly want to post it here because every word written in these emails contains heavy heart.  It is not easy to say goodbye to anyone and is surely not easy to say goodbye to good people.  I understand his saddness for leaving his current position for another position.  I understand his background and how much passion he has and still will have with the program that he has been involving in and running for so many years.  Well, everyone will have to move on at some points in life.  It's inevitable.  I guess we'll have to accept this harsh reality.  I do wish him nothing but the best because he is a good person.

The emails below starts with the most recent response from either one of us.


Thank you, Victor!  We are all foot soldiers here.  But we are more
than willing to be high standard foot soldiers because we know who will
benefit if we win the war.  Thanks for your passion and commitments to
the program.  I know even though you will not be directly working for
the Program, you will still doing all the "behind-the-scene" works to
benefit this Program any way you could.  For that, we thank you again.

--
Felicia

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Felicia,

I really appreciate your words below.  I think that you know how much
the program has meant to me over the years and a large part of those
feelings are due to working with you and our other colleagues.  Rita and
you have set the standard, I was just a foot soldier...I am sure that my
replacement will have the same zeal, if not more, that I have for the
program.

Felicia, congratulations again on your new marriage.  I wish you and
your new husband nothing but the best.

Take care,

Victor

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Dear Victor,

I am not going to hide my emotions.  I feel sad learning that you are
leaving.  You have done tremendous work for the Pre-College Program for
such a long time.  You have demonstrated what the true meanings of
dedication and hard work are.  You have shown us through actions what a
true leader should be.  Your presence and sense of humor light up the
whole room every time and allow us to have so much fun while we are
working hard for the Program.  You will be greatly missed and we will
have to learn to adjust our lives with the Pre-College Program without
you.  However, I want to wholeheartedly congratulate you on your new
position.  I wish you nothing but the very best in your new venture.  I
also look forward to working with you in your new position.

A little bit sad but I am very happy for you!

--
Felicia

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Mack, Victor wrote:
 

Dear All,

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of my resignation as the
Pre-College Coordinator for the Center for Mathematics, Science, and
Technology Education at UNC Charlotte.  I have accepted the Dean's offer to become the Director of Educational Outreach for the College of Education effective September 1.  My official last day as Pre-College Coordinator will be August 31.  For the past 10 years, the Center and the North Carolina Mathematics Science Education Network (NC-MSEN) have provided me countless opportunities for professional growth and service to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.  The professionals associated with each of these organizations I owe a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with you all.  I look forward to working with you in my new capacity.

Sincerely,

Victor Mack

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