There are numerous people you walk by every day and know nothing about. This includes the hall monitors that patrol South. They are often overlooked as simply the people patrolling the hallways and catching kids who don’t have a pass when in reality, they are some of South’s most interesting and caring staff.
The hall monitors have deep backgrounds that shaped them before they got a job at South. With the many different experiences they have lived throughout their lives, all their pasts have led here. They have had various careers that have taken lots of different skills and schooling, ranging from master plumbers and engineers to ice skating instructors, technicians, and chefs. One hall monitor with an interesting history is Fred Bojanowski.
“I have a master’s degree in plumbing,” Bojanowski said. “I have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and I’m also a master plumber through the state of Michigan.”
Whether it is becoming bored after retirement, their old job being too stressful, or just looking for something new, each hall monitor has been led to South to help shape our lives, even if we don’t realize it.
“I enjoy getting the paycheck, and now that I’ve started here, I enjoy the kids,” Hall monitor Judy Stoner said. “Just the whole experience here is very rewarding to me.”
Despite finding joy in the job, their important positions are oftentimes taken for granted by the students they serve. Even though many might not know our hall monitors, they know the students. They see them in the halls, remember their faces or smiles and truly care about them. They want to see them do well and better themselves.
“I made more money just cooking in restaurants, at least $5 more an hour,” Hall monitor Orlando Sams said. “But I took this job here because it’s less wear and tear on my body, and if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.”
While most find conflict in enjoying their jobs because of the struggles that come with it, our hall monitors often find joy in what they are doing. The students are a large part of what makes this job enjoyable and a real community.
“Sometimes the unsuspecting smile you get [can make your day],” Sams said. “It always seems like, you know, I’m the bad guy, but just a simple smile uplifts your day.
