LEON PARKER, Special Programs
Q: What is your job here?
A: [I am an] instructional assistant.
Q: How did you get into this?
A: I worked in different fields before education and it led me over to education. [I worked in] mental health and was a qualified professional, and I was a social development director. [I did] a variety of things in the human service field.
Q: What is your favorite part of this job?
A: Being around others and helping others. I like helping people.
Q: How has this impacted you?
A: It’s fulfilling to know that you can help someone do better for themself or show them a different way to do things.
Q: Did you attend college, if so, where did you go?
A: I did, I graduated from Virginia State University and I went to grad school. College was a great experience for me.
Q: What is one impact you want to make on students?
A: I want to let them know that they can do anything and shouldn’t let other people’s fears discourage their future.
Q: What do you do aside from teaching?
A: I coach and that is a major [part of my life]. I think that’s the reason I got into teaching. When I got into coaching it led over to teaching. I want to help young men become productive.
Q: What do you coach?
A: Football, track, and girls basketball.
Q: Did you do those sports in high school?
A: I did football, basketball, track, and baseball.
Q: How has coaching impacted your life?
A: Coaching has impacted my life [because I am able to help] young men become men in today’s society.
Q: What is your favorite part of coaching?
A: You are able to [instill] morals and standards to help young men [avoid] negative consequences.
Q: What inspired you to become a coach?
A: My high school coach [helped me through some tough] times in high school.
Q: What are some lessons you hope your players learn from you?
A: Love God, and love yourself to [be able to] make the right [decisions].
Q: Have you always wanted to coach?
A: Yes, it’s a family trait.
Q: What did you do for fun in high school?
A: [I did] sports and [I was] very social.