When I think about what makes FCCPS special to me and my experiences in public education, it has to be access to people. For nearly seven years, I have worked in other public school divisions, and never had I met the Superintendent personally, nor were they available to be met by someone at my level in those divisions. I could tell FCCPS was different from the moment I was interviewed by the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Peter Noonan.

I was extremely nervous, until this moment the Superintendent of Schools had been a person with an entourage, someone who only talked to people in the upper hierarchy of the system. But here I was in Dr. Noonan’s office, calling him Peter and talking like we were friends. I went into that interview feeling very mixed emotions about possibly leaving my former position that I loved and the people that I loved. I left that meeting excited about the next step in my career, thinking about the possibilities that might impact students’ experiences if everyone was together and connected in this work.

When I started my job as the ESOL Coordinator back in August of 2018, I was suspicious that maybe the interview experience was a facade. After all, none of my experiences had written a story like this one! But my first week on the job, I ate lunch with Peter in the office kitchen more times than I didn’t. In fact, I quickly felt like Peter was my friend, and today, I know that Peter is my friend. 

You see, there’s something so special when people join together in a similar mission and see each other for the humans they are, and not the title they have or what they can do for you.

From the leadership of this school division to every employee, regardless of the title and place in the hierarchy, I think everyone feels seen and cared about. My favorite moments are walking into a school and seeing Norma S., Alejadrina S., and Amanda W. immediately hugging. Or arriving to work, putting my things away, saying good morning to Trish M. Or stepping into a classroom and knowing so many students because I can, because we all know everybody. 

Because we are united in seeing each other, we genuinely care about each other. When a group genuinely cares and is united in its mission, really special things can happen. Students and adults can thrive, take risks, and push for greatness. That’s what makes FCCPS special.