friday takeout

Brook Hjerleid | Child Development Center Director

Calmar

What is something you have done that would surprise others who never knew?

One thing I think I do that would surprise others is how much I love to paint pictures. I haven't done it in quite some time, but I have even sold a few pieces. Granted, the pieces were sold to friends.

What is the favorite part of your job or workday at the college?

Easy. By far my favorite part of my workday is seeing all the kids. I get numerous amounts of hugs and "mooches" during the day. I can never have a bad day knowing I can enter any room and get lots of love from the cutest kids on the planet. Seeing them every morning makes my whole day brighter. I also love seeing how the entire staff interacts with the kids and how amazing each of them is. There is a lot of love in this building, and it makes me smile every day. We get to help these children grow and learn. It is amazing to see how much they change day after day, and we get to say we are a vital part in that!

What is your greatest achievement and how has it shaped you?

My greatest achievement would have to be when I worked at Crossroads Academy (an alternative day school for children with behavioral disorders). I had a student I needed to help graduate, a senior with sophomore credits. He came straight from the gangs/streets of Compton. He was not interested in anything. He had been shot, he had shot others, he was involved with drugs and numerous other crimes – that was the world he knew. We developed a good rapport. He slowly became more interested in school and understanding the importance of what a diploma can do for his future. We worked very hard together and had a few bumps along the way, but he received his high school diploma and walked with his new class at commencement. We still keep in touch to this day, and he is doing very well in Arizona. That is really what shaped me in my profession and how I look at education and what each child needs. Every child learns in their own way; we as educators need to make sure we understand what is best for them to maximize their potential.

What fad of the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s or '00s do you wish would come back into style?

I love everything ‘80s. I would love to see the clothes and music come back into style. I still listen to ‘80s music all the time.

What is the most courageous or adventurous thing you did in your youth?

If you know me, you would know I am deathly afraid of the open ocean. I like to be out on the boats, but you would never find me in the water. I am getting anxious just thinking about it and typing the thought of being in the water. I was a nanny for two summers in Costa Rica. Amazingly beautiful and right on the beach. My fear of the ocean was a problem, as we would kayak to another resort and take jet skis out daily. By far the most courageous thing I did was face my insane fear and not only kayak in the ocean, but go swimming way out in the open water. I was convinced that, with my luck, sharks would sniff out my fear and eat me. I am glad I am here today to type this!