After four years with the Prince George District Teachers' Association, Tina Cousins gave her swan song at Tuesday night's school board meeting, saying it was both the best and worst of times.
She'll pass the presidency on to current vice-president Richard Giroday on June 30 and head back to the classroom at Vanway elementary in September.
The 23-day strike last year was incredibly difficult, she said, "and feeling like we were holding a battering ram against our government.
"The cost of standing up for public education, our students and ourselves has taken a toll on our families, our activism, and our membership," Cousins said. "The toll will long be felt and, like most strikes, things may never be the same."
But, her one piece of advice to Giroday was to make sure the provincial problems don't leach into the local reality.
"Keep the relationships healthy because in the end it's all we have," Cousins said. "When we have been fighting with our government on many levels we don't want to be fighting on our home front too."
Cousins said she never hesitated to pick up the phone to talk to those at the district or school administrators.
"To be able to sit at a table and know you're respected and to be able to work together, that has been immense for our district."
Cousins commended the work of sub-locals in the rural schools.
"I'm worried about them and their futures," she said. "Rural education is something that we really need to look out for and advocate for."
She struggled to get through her thank-yous and when she spoke of the pride she felt for the district.
"My life has become richer because of those relationships I built with people," she said.
"It's a rewarding job when someone says to me 'I didn't know what to do, but I knew you would help me."
While she's excited to get back in the classroom after four years - and said it's important she speak from that direct knowledge - she knows she'll be back working at the union before her career is done.
"I do believe my life as a union activist is far from over," said Cousins, who was first vice president for two years, and president for another two years.
Cousins left the group with a final quote that made her think of the people in the room.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world," said Cousins, pausing to collect her voice.
"Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
