In the Career Center, students and staff walk in and out in a consistent flow. They are here to wish career specialist Colleen Parks the best at her new job.

Meanwhile, Parks rushes to finish piles of work and leave everything in order as she will not be returning the morning of Oct. 6. The clock is moving faster than ever. Parks is in the final moments of her 12th year at Wenatchee High School.

Oct. 3 was Parks’ last day as a WHS employee. Parks is now working at Children’s Home Society as both administrative support and supervisor. She began working at WHS back in 2002.

“I saw an ad in the classifieds and thought the description matched me very well,” Parks said. “This job [at WHS] has matched me very well. But I am ready for the next step.”

The next step for Parks meant accepting the new job. Although Parks decided to apply for the position at Children’s Home Society, she said she “wasn’t purposely looking for a new job.”

“Ever since I started working here at WHS I found that the world of work is really based around a person’s God-given abilities,” Parks said. “I always try to make sure my abilities are being used. My purpose has been fulfilled at WHS. At first I wasn’t convinced, but others began to tell me the job at CHS fit me.”

“Mrs. Parks has helped me understand how the school works. Last year she always check up on me and made sure I was fine,” second-year counselor Sara McManus said. “She has been a great friend. I’m really excited she is excited on taking her next step.”

Many students were able to receive orientation and help from Parks on scholarships, college applications and standardized testing.

Being close to the students at WHS is what Parks will miss the most.

“I’m graduating to my next step. I think meaningful relationships are what really help students,” Parks said. “I will miss the sound of students going up and down the hallway. I’ve always wanted kids to find their place in the world of work and I have tried to help them find it.”