How did you go about getting the new position of attendance secretary at the school?

I have been a teacher for three and a half years in Mayer, Ariz. I was a high school English teacher but moved back to be closer to my family and was looking for substitute teaching jobs. I saw this position was open so I applied

How difficult was it to find the right job for you?

I applied to about 40 different places and had five call backs, but this is where I wanted to be. Had job opportunities for a bank, an insurance company, and through temp agencies, but I ultimately wanted to work in a school district.

What seemed so appealing about working in a school?

[The best part] is working with kids and feeling like you contribute. I have wanted to work in a school district since I was five in kindergarten.

 Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Wichita. I graduated from Campus High School in 2002 and from Emporia State University in 2007. I moved to Arizona and back between 2008 and 2011. My sister and friends and boyfriend are up here, but my grandparents are in Wichita.

What drew you to Arizona?

The teaching position was what drew me to Arizona. I wanted to see what it was like outside of Kansas; I am glad I did it though. I learned a lot about myself and the world.

Why did you leave Arizona?

The district I worked for alone had 150 students ranging from grades 9-12. I taught every student everyday, as well as taking on varsity cheer, student council, yearbook and being a class sponsor. I had to do fundraisers for every extra-curricular activity and if you don’t take it on no one will. The district had a 90 percent homeless rate…I was making sure they felt safe and connected, which is hard in any district let alone one who’s budget is constantly being cut for education. So I wanted to take a break.

What activities do you like to do outside of work?

I like to knit scarves and to bake and cook. I enjoy going to concerts, my friends are trying to get me to go to Blue October right now. I also like working out, like yoga or the elliptical machine, and reading a good book; right now I’m working on three [books] that I unpacked yesterday.