Malia Smith is a second-year English teacher at Kirby Middle School in Wichita Falls, TX. She spent her early life getting her education at DWHS but later was transferred to Franklin High School in Franklin, TX. She graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos, TX as an undergraduate with an English degree and a minor in secondary education. 

Smith graduated not too long after Covid-19 hit; this made it harder to find work, but she managed. “I didn't have a traditional transition because of covid, but I was excited about moving to a new town and getting to start a new chapter!” Smith said.

She then moved to her newly bought house in Wichita Falls, TX. “I purchased a house one year after graduation. I have now lived here for about seven months.”

Smith has a teaching degree, so as the name applies, she got a job as a teacher: “I teach 7th grade reading at Kirby Middle School.”

“I love my job," she said. "I moved to Wichita Falls to get a change of scenery and finding Kirby was a perfect fit. It has a great work environment and I’m so close to my coworkers and my students.”

Smith is constantly working, taking care of her students, teaching, and grading. “I teach six class periods a day with two different conference periods which are usually spent planning curriculum, grading work, or additional training.”

If she's constantly working, what does she do in her free time, if she has any that is? “I spend a lot of time reading books at my house or hanging out with my best friend Samantha.” 

One important part about having a job is transportation, and with her budget, she can afford a newer vehicle: “I drive a 2019 Jeep Compass, originally purchased with 800 miles on it. It was $20000, so my monthly cost is around $375.”

When she isn't teaching, she enjoys hanging out with her pets. “I have two rescue cats named Fergie and Dory, they are best friends.” Fergie was the first to be rescued as a kitten, Dory being second, also a kitten.

Smith said she enjoyed getting out of college, but she still misses some parts. “I’ll always miss the social aspect of college, but I definitely don’t miss the stress.”

Smith has been described as a great teacher. She’s won teacher of the month in her first year of teaching, and ABCD (above and beyond the call of duty) awards. She also takes part as a cheer coach and academic competitions coach. With all that she does her yearly wage is up to $55000 a year.