New school. New students. New beginnings. These are the things every FCHS student experienced at the start of the 2012-13 school year. With graduation and summer break around the corner, two of Fluvanna’s own are silently preparing to take on all of these again: on the other side of the globe.

The beloved FCHS librarian, Colleen Williams and her daughter, freshman Brenna Williams, are taking the necessary measures to leave not only Fluvanna, but also the United States as they make the trek to Hong Kong in late June. Don’t let the expert shelving and quick check out skills fool you: Williams has experience outside of the hushed tones of the browsing aisles. With a background in journalism, a Master’s degree in technological learning, and time spent as an elementary school teacher, Williams has room to explore her options. However, she will be taking on another librarian position for the 2013-14 school year at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong. “It wasn’t something I was looking for. A friend from the school contacted me and said, ‘we’re looking for a librarian’… It just kind of fell into my lap!” said Williams.

This will not be the Williams’ first time living abroad. Ms. Williams has taught a combined total of ten years overseas, including four years in Venezuela, four years in Shanghai, one year in Puerto Rico, and a single year in Vietnam. Even with their experience in foreign countries, this was not an easy decision for the two of them to make. Ultimately, the deciding factor was Brenna. “This is just such a great experience for [her] and she really, really likes living overseas!” said her mother. Due to her new school placement, the younger Williams will be able to graduate with an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma in addition to opportunities such as an annual full immersion week in the country of her choosing in Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, or Europe.

Their new environment of Hong Kong is a region composed of two thirds preserved land, which contains over 100 beaches and has a climate in which the temperature rarely drops below 60 degrees. Though there is plenty of open space to explore, the duo will live in a very small apartment in an urban setting. To the elder Williams, this is both a concern and a perk. “It’s such a densely-populated area that housing is extremely tiny, but it’ll be kind of fun to live in a small space and only have what you need. I’m actually kind of excited to give that a try,” she said. In such a highly-populated area, driving is not necessary. For Williams that is a huge plus. “I don’t like driving or rural living where you’re constantly getting in and out of a car. In Hong Kong, public transportation is not only wonderful, but also cheap!”

As they prepare for their move, the Williams are having to do what Ms. Williams calls “minimizing to the extreme.” This includes putting belongings aside for a garage sale, throwing others away, and putting very few things in storage. “We can’t take much, only two suit cases each,” said Williams. Among their possessions in need of a new home is their dog, “We’re going to be in a tiny space in the city. She’s not even two yet! She’s spunky [and] energetic; I just don’t think it’d be a very good environment for her,” said Ms. Williams. They will most likely return to spend at least part of their summers in the States and move back to Virginia on a more permanent basis after Brenna finishes high school.

They’re leaving possessions behind, saying good bye to friends, paring down their belongings, and preparing their hearts and minds for what lies ahead. As they move forward and travel into the realm of new experiences, the Williams will never forget the place or the people they’re leaving. “I’ve had a great time here. I’m going to miss being a Fluco and especially [my work with] the Interact Club,” said the elder Williams. Both of the Williams should take comfort in the fact that they will be missed and that they will quickly learn what many have come to accept: Once a Fluco, Always a Fluco.

And a fond goodbye to Mrs. Washington…

FCHS librarian Mrs. Joanne Washington will be leaving FCHS along with Williams.  Washington has been working within the school for 30 years, 10 in elementary and 20 at the high school.  She has coached indoor and outdoor track along with girls’ basketball and has been a P.E. coach, teacher, and librarian throughout her career.  Washington plans to spend her retirement travelling with her family. “We love to go traveling around in our camper,” she said. Washington loved quite a few things about working within the school, and it was easily noticed in her reaction. “Working with the students and teaching was one of my favorite things,” she said, “along with seeing some of the kids I taught coming back as teachers.” She also stated that she loved coaching P.E., teaching Drivers’ Ed, and finding books that kids would find interesting as a librarian. Washington has had a great effect on a lot of students and teachers at the high school and will definitely be missed.