Jennifer taught at Lomita Math & Science Magnet School for 11 of her 16 years as a teacher, and still calls it her “home base.” A heartfelt post from Ms. Gahan, a longtime Lomita parent, brought back memories of her first-grade class. It also brought back the late Principal Pat Hardy, who encouraged Jennifer to apply to be an instructional coach and to pursue her administrative credential, steps that led to her work with many more children, teachers, and principals.
In Jennifer’s words
Last week, I read a heartfelt post on social media from one of the longtime parents at Lomita Math & Science Magnet School that brought joyful tears to my eyes. It brought back so many wonderful memories of my years as a teacher there, especially the girls in my first-grade class and Ms. Gahan, who was such an engaged and supportive parent.
I always called Lomita Magnet my “home base” because I spent 11 of my 16 years teaching there. Even after all these years, I still keep in touch with my Lomita colleagues. It’s a beautiful reminder that the relationships we build in education truly last a lifetime.
I also found myself reflecting on the late Principal Pat Hardy, who played such an important role in my professional journey. When she first encouraged me to apply for an instructional coach position, I threw away the application form twice before I finally couldn’t say “no” anymore! Later, when Principal Hardy encouraged me to pursue my administrative credential, I told her I couldn’t because my husband and I were raising three young children at the time.
Little did I know that saying “yes” to those opportunities would lead me down a different path—one that would allow me to make a meaningful impact on so many more children, teachers, and principals over the decades that followed. Principal Hardy saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself. She believed in my potential before I fully recognized it.
What a powerful reminder that sometimes, all it takes is one person who believes in us to change the course of our lives. As educators, may we always strive to be that person for our children—to recognize their potential, nurture their gifts, and encourage them to dream big and reach for the stars. The impact we make may reach far beyond what we can ever imagine.
