She believes , especially at a time like now , there is a need for empathy , adding , “ It ' s a difficult time when I should be spending time with my students , with my staff members , and some parents who just reach out and want to talk to me . ” This , however , is often interrupted by other demands , including constant submission of documentation . She refers to the divided focus as “ most problematic because of the importance of balancing the people you serve , getting to know your stakeholders , and , being compliant with the demands .”
As Principal , the best advice Marsha has been given is to put her students first . While she understands that this sometimes offends some persons , she is staying true to it , explaining “ we are because of them , and they are because of us .”
She quickly clarifies , “ this does not mean I do not value the various categories of staff , because I say they are the engine that runs the school . Without our committed teachers and guidance counsellors , we cannot have the kind of outcomes that we strive to achieve .” Yet , she emphasizes that “ we must put our students first and let them know that we are here to serve them and not to be served .” Dr . Smalling has stayed true to that advice , and it pays off .
On being an educator generally , she declares , “ I like teaching , I like to serve , and I am a compassionate person . I believe that I must demonstrate integrity . I am striving to ensure that everything I do is definitely in alignment with my purpose , --- igniting hopes , dreams , and possibilities for all or for those who are within my influence .”
IMPORTANCE OF A SUPPORT SYSTEM
Marsha believes in a strong support system and hastens to say she has exceptional support from her family and friends . She pointed out that it was her eldest sister , Leortha , who cradled her ; from sourcing medical personnel who subsequently diagnosed her with lupus until she was fit to return home and back to work .
She also credits her husband , Robert who , throughout her illness , has been extremely supportive , sharing , “ In moments when he couldn ' t offer his support , he had friends who would step in , sometimes to take me to my doctor visits .”
52 | www . thebeyondwoman . com