Blissard: I was so lucky to have had so many educators that influenced me to go into the direction of education. I came through a K-12 school in Mississippi. So many educators there helped me. It was so nice to have all those teachers there who poured into me. The biggest influences Peggy Harrell and Carol Modrall here at Oakland. They were counselors here. They helped me so much in my early years of being a school counselor. They were great with time management. They handled all the different issues they were presented with. They had a willingness to help at all costs. I hope I can be helpful as well to those around me.
Blissard: It is absolutely the people. The relationships. The people I work with and the students here. It’s my most favorite thing about working at a school. I love creating relationships and growing those throughout the years. I love seeing students grow in their academics while also growing into adulthood.
Lee: I hope students say that I was helpful. I hope I was able to help students achieve some of their goals in or outside of high school. I hope they will remember that I did whatever I could to help them in whatever scenario they needed.
Blissard: For new students going into education, be consistent, flexible, reliable and have people skills. Always be willing to think outside the box when presented with a challenge. Be approachable and open to new ideas. Do not be afraid to make a mistake either. Also continue to learn. Learn from the people around you - your students and colleagues.