By Younes Ahmed
Ms. Charleson-Smith is the assistant principal at our very own East High School. She’s known for being extremely easy to talk to and overall the sweetest woman you’d ever meet. No matter the situation, she’s always ready to help, whether it’s helping with students, staff, or school events. She’s dedicated to making a positive impact at school. Though, believe it or not, her passion for helping others paved the way for her becoming our assistant principal.
Before she was our assistant principal, she worked as a special education teacher. She didn’t see herself being a special education teacher, she wanted to be just a teacher. She went to University at Buffalo where she completed her undergraduate studies, as well as two masters degrees. She wanted to make sure she was able to become something that helped students succeed.
As a kid, Ms.Charleson dreamed of becoming an astronaut and was interested in science. She never had dreams of pursuing a career in education. Although, while growing up, it wasn’t common for girls to study S.T.E.M careers. She loved problem solving and that’s what made her realize that her future could consist of education. This paved the way to her job and occupation now.
A very big influence on her life was a teacher she had during her school years. She described her teacher as someone who inspired her and supported her throughout her education. Having her teacher as a role model made her realize the difference educators can make in students’ lives. Having this role model in her life made her realize that she also wants to help inspire and motivate others.
When she turned sixteen, she had a major turning point in her life. Ms.Charleson-Smith volunteered at a camp for underprivileged children and children with special needs. It was much more meaningful to her than just helping out. This made her realize how much she loved caring for others. She explained that this experience became the reason she chose to pursue a career in special education.
After she worked as a special education teacher, Ms.Charleson realized that she wanted to make an even bigger impact on students. She explained that becoming an administrator would not only help make a bigger impact on students in the classroom, but also an entire school, or even community. This made her pursue leadership positions,eventually becoming a principal and later becoming an assistant principal. Throughout her career, she makes it her goal to support students and help them reach their full potential.
Today, Ms.Charleson plays a huge role at Williamsville East High School. As an assistant principal, she does much more than work in an office. She makes efforts to attend school events, support student clubs, and stay involved in activities happening through the building. She enjoys seeing students and interacting with them, just making jokes and checking in on them occasionally. She takes pride in seeing her students participate in activities outside of the classrooms and encourages them on the side. Whether she’s working with teachers, helping students, or serving communities, she is always looking for a way to better the school.
Outside of school, she enjoys staying active and spending time doing things with the people she loves. Growing up, she played field hockey for seven years, and also did cheerleading and softball. Looking back, she says sports taught important life lessons that she still uses until this day. They taught her teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. These experiences shaped the wonderful woman she is today and influences the way she works with students and staff.
Even though Ms.Charleson isn’t even old, she is getting closer to her retirement. She still doesn’t know whether or not she wants to leave education yet. She genuinely loves what she does, and finds a lot of meaning in helping students. Eventually, when she does get to the point of retirement, she hopes to bring time to volunteer and bring back to her community. She loves helping young students overcome problems and make a positive difference in their lives.
What I find most interesting about Ms. Charleson is how much she cares about her students. Throughout her career, she built strong relationships with many of them, and some former students even keep in touch with her years after they graduate. Seeing her students overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and succeed is one of the best parts of her job. She has a special place in her heart for the students that struggle learning and learn differently because she believes that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed.
From dreaming to be an astronaut to becoming an assistant principal, Ms. Charleston’s journey shows how far hard work and dedication can take someone in life. Her commitment to helping others has guided her and paved the way for her career. Through kindness, leadership, and passion for education, she has made a great impact on former students, students now, and Williamsville East High School.