The ability to light up a room with a smile or joke— is not a trait that everyone can master. However, for class of 2023, Kalāheo alum, Nick Granson, that is only one aspect of his ever-growing story of hard work starting from a young age. Always known for making others laugh and smile and bringing over all happiness to others, Granson would soon go on a path to find out what makes him happy.
Already enrolled in the Natural Resources pathway, (a Kalāheo program that seeks to create an enriching education through foundations of agriculture), Granson was known for taking care of pets like birds and even chickens. But later, he would go onto a new form of stewardship. This time, Granson would seek the job of tending to the classrooms after school each day. “It was a chance to learn life skills that I refused to learn growing up in hopes of a brighter future,” he explained.
It was last year that former Kalāheo Vice Principal Jay Lin would establish a workforce at the school offering students the chance to give back to their school by cleaning classrooms for money. Granted the tasks of sweeping, mopping, and taking out trash for various buildings, quickly turned into a job that stuck with Granson. And only graduating one year ago— Granson has furthered his way to a future full of hard work and success. Now working for the Department of Education as a custodian at Kalāheo, he is secure with a job that receives state benefits such as retirement, pension, 401k, and healthcare. Granson had the upper hand in obtaining the job due to his history of classroom cleaning.
Now, Granson gave an inside look at the responsibilities of a custodian, “Every custodian is assigned a building to work on. I manage the surrounding areas of my building (yard work), clean and maintain lavatories both student and teacher, keep classrooms mopped and germ-free, assist with deliveries and any other work as needed,” he said. Despite the physical labor of the job, Granson shared this message with students, “Be willing to learn, be respectful, accountable, hard-working, don't try and get everything done in one day, don't be lazy and work well with your peers.” But as a young graduate still full of endless opportunities for his life, Granson has his sights set on his future. With a passion for marine biology, he hopes to continue to make a way for himself to live out his most desired path!