For the past 39 years, Wendy Lum has been working behind the counter at Teachers’ World in Stockton. She’s finally taking some well-earned time for herself after decades of devoted service to San Joaquin County’s youngsters.
“It’s been hard, you know, but I’m really looking forward to retirement,” said Wendy Lum. “I have been here for 39 years, so I’m ready.”
Lum can’t resist reflecting on the experiences that shaped her career and the community that has stood by her throughout the years, even though she may be ready and realize it’s time to hang her hat.
“It was just neat to get to know them and see their love for kids. A teacher would come in, using their own money just to buy a book to help a child in their classroom,” she added. “I watched one person in particular kind of grew up. He was a student and a teacher. He got a job, he got married, he has kids. That kind of stuff was really neat. If I wrote down these stories, it probably would be a best-selling book.”
Decades later, Lum still gets a boost from showing off her store even as the shelves gradually disappear.
It’s among the factors that keep devoted clients returning year after year.
“We’ve been coming here like once a year for 10 years,” Loyal Customer and Teacher Vanessa Piombo stated. “When school ends at the end of school, they come. We bring the kids and they get their things that they need to stay enriched during the summer. So we’re really sad to see the store close.”
Many people will miss Lum and Teachers’ World because it was one of the only school supply stores in the county.
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“We’re gonna miss you,” Piombo stated. “Stockton’s gonna miss you, like the whole San Joaquin County is gonna miss you because it’s the only store really in the area.”
Lum will miss her community, but not as much.
“I just want to thank each customer for their support and for being so kind, for being so good in teaching, you know, and really educating the children. I love that part. I am going to miss my customers,” Lum stated.
Teachers’ World might not stop permanently when Lum retires because she already has plans to see her family.
She is currently looking for someone to take over the store, but in the meanwhile, she will box up the remaining items she has and give them to nearby shelters and other charities.
On Friday, Teachers’ World is scheduled to close.
