When you think about your school and those who are in charge, you may wonder how they got to where they are, or why they picked the profession they are in. 

Students often assume that teachers and administrators pursued their careers to have the authority to scream, yell and boss you around. We then see and learn that this is not the case as learned in the 9/24 press conference.

Presented with a plethora of questions, Assistant Principal Karla Stanley shared her story. Throughout the conference, Stanley shared what exactly possessed her to start the journey of becoming an administrator. 

Stanley was never shown an example of having “teacher” parents growing up. Neither one of her parents were teachers and her mom was the first to go to college in her family.

“I followed in my mom’s footsteps going to college,” said Stanley. “My mom and dad both knew I was going to be a teacher.” 

Her love for kids and helping others got her to her current position as assistant principal.  Stanley first went to Virginia and taught, then moved to North Carolina to teach at E.E. Smith High School. 

“First I was a teacher,” said Stanley. “I wanted to help other kids, but also help other people help kids.”

As students, it may not be the easiest to understand where all rules and enforcements come from. However, it’s important to remember that administrators have a goal of trying to make a positive impact in students’ lives, supporting them every step of the way as they reach toward success. There is always reasoning behind becoming an administrator, and it seems to be rewarding according to our assistant principal.

“I’m not here to get you in trouble,” Said Stanley. “I want to have a hand in helping you be successful.”