I am an assistant principal so that I can teach the students to know Jesus by example of tough love … so I can see the Bible translated … so that I can realize that every interruption is an opportunity … so that I can hear how to sing praise songs to the LORD … so that I can discover other languages—the language of students playing.

I am an assistant principal so that I can call maintenance about a broken pencil sharpener only to find out pencil lead was stuck in the sharpener . … so that I can console the students of the losing team … so that I can learn to mend broken hearts and broken dreams … so that I can console teachers and help them love the students more … so that I can go without sleep when I can’t seem to understand why the student comes with the baggage that they did … so that I can be the first one to pat that proud student on the back because they overcame a difficult situation … so that I can learn how to face heartache and trust in the Lord.

I am an assistant principal so that I can be the first to notice the need for students to bring paper and writing utensils to class … so that I can lose sleep waiting for the student to realize that all they need is to apologize … so that I can laugh at a joke for the umpteenth time … so that I can learn bravery by pulling things out of their lockers … so that I can see that smile when I remember their name and they weren’t in trouble … so that I can learn to be a good sport about competition … so that I can assure you that it is okay to have emotions … so that I can see myself younger over and over again.

I am an assistant principal so I can learn to be the “role model” in the student’s life … so that I can learn to say good bye and have a good day … so that I can anticipate the coming of a new day to work with them … so that when a student leaves a note saying thanks for showing up every day, you’re the only one in my life who has, I’m glad I didn’t call in sick.

I am an assistant principal because I know with God’s help I will help nurture a unique wonderful human being.  I received lessons on trust, forgiveness and unconditional acceptance so that I can anticipate with you going to high school, college or the work force, and the expectancy is greater than I have ever known … so that I will live with the knowledge, of investing in another life that helps make the world a better, brighter place.