Living in a time where it is easy to focus on one’s own personal life and needs, many people find themselves overlooking the everyday things, like the people that keep NAHS running. From making sure that we have a wide range of organized books to keeping the cafeteria clean, there are so many people that devote their time and energy to maintain this school. So, let’s appreciate our exceptional behind the scenes staff here at North Atlanta.
To start, the iconic Quincy Chambers, otherwise known as “Q,” has been a custodian for the past three years and loves spreading his positive energy and humour. If you ever get the chance to talk to Chambers, you will find that it is very hard to leave without a smile. His amazing personality goes beyond his jokes, extending to sympathy and understanding to students. Where some may get upset at kids for acting out, he understands and acknowledges that all the adults here were once kids. He explains that he understands students’ motivations and feelings well, and often receives jokes that he is just a super senior that happens to clean the school. When asked if he had a message for the NAHS students, Chambers said, “I say this from the heart: keep trying. I know how hard life can be, but always KEEP TRYING.”
Another vital staff member who has a subtle but important impact is Ms. Charice Coston, the new librarian. As she is beginning her first year in the role, she prides herself on her easygoing manner and inviting demeanor. Her impact can already be measured by the dynamic space she has turned the library into. Interestingly, she actually took IB herself in highschool, joking about how IB physics used to make her cry (I know some readers will relate…). As an employee of North Atlanta today, she says that her biggest problems are no longer IB related but rooted in making sure that the students and staff know about all of the resources available to them in the media center. Furthermore, Coston’s kindness and endearing personality has made the media center a comfortable space that has started to attract more and more students.
Working alongside Coston is Justin Pointer, the NAHS desk support analyst who handles issues related to school issued chromebooks. Beyond this, his cheery attitude never fails to lighten the halls of NAHS. While Pointer has been working at North Atlanta for three years, he has been with APS for eight years. On a typical day, he says he usually goes through his emails, responds to ticket queues (which are requests for help with service or technical issues), and troubleshoots the endless list of malfunctions. Given that he supports well over 5,000 devices, he says this takes up a large part of his time. He says that what he loves most about his employment is the impact that he is making for both students and staff. “My favorite part is knowing that I am making a difference and helping the fluidity of the students education,” says Pointer.
There are so many great people with important stories to tell in North Atlanta. Sometimes all it takes is a quick look around to appreciate their immeasurable impacts. So next time you go through the cafeteria or browse the media center, remember to say hello and spend some time talking to these amazing behind the scenes personnel of North Atlanta.
