Adjourning

One group that was significant when the adjourning phase came about would be the cohort I was part of when earning my bachelors degree. We were a group of eight ladies all working toward a common goal. All of us are high achievers and we worked hard to be the best professional possible but also supporting one another along the way, even celebrating new babies and birthdays along the way. While one graduated a year early and then two of the ladies graduated in the winter, the last of us graduated in May 2016, one could not attend due to other obligations out of state and she was sorely missed.

The closing ritual for us was the graduation ceremony. We all were in touch the weeks leading up and attended a dinner together and spent time after the ceremony together, and with out professor who came to present our diploma's. It was one of those experiences that I am glad I did because it bought closure to the group and also the sense of accomplishment of the long evening classes and student teaching hours. While we still all maintain contact with one another and sometimes lean on each other for professional advice, the group is not as close knit as it was for that two years.

Comparing this group to others, graduations are common in my adjourning phase. From other colleges to military training, the graduation is what signifies I am moving on. I think it is the best way to conclude something and also celebrate all the hard work that was required to get to that point. I think groups that inspire me to be myself at the most difficult to let go. I like to be pushed to do my best and being a part of a group that does this does cause me to reflect more. I often keep in touch of a couple people from each group simply because that person/people are the ones that I worked the most with. 

I can hope that I am able to meet up with some of my colleagues from this program at graduation when the time comes. As I have accelerated my path by taking two courses concurrently, I am not taking courses with those who I began this journey with. I think when ti comes to the capstone course, those colleagues are the ones who I will make that meaningful connection with since that is the end. 

As everything in life does come to an end eventually, it is important to honor that time and also those who you worked with. Aubudi (2010) explains how this "provides the team the opportunity to say good-bye to each other and wish each other luck as they pursue their next endeavor" (sec. 5). Taking this time gives the group the chance to reflect and also celebrate the accomplishment. 

Reference

Aubdi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html