You believed in me, before I believed in myself (Post #2 of a Series).
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I wanted to take time to recognize the people that helped me throughout my life. Those special individuals that inspired me and gave me the courage and support to chase my dreams. This blog post series is dedicated to them, my way of saying THANK YOU!
You know somebody’s special when they go by one name to so many people. This man was a mentor to so many of his students, teachers and fellow administrators. He was one of us! “Naz!” Bruce Naszimento had a huge impact on my life and helped shape my “why” as an educator.
Naz and I first connected when I was a coach on his staff at Emerson High School (UC) back in the mid 90’s. I was a 19 year old kid, still in college and looking to give back to my community by coaching high school football. Age was never a thing to him; work ethic, a willingness to learn and caring about the players was what he looked for and believed in. He gave me more responsibilities than I probably deserved at the time, but I was determined not to let him down.
In September of ‘98, I started my teaching career at Emerson High School (UC) and Naz was the assistant Principal. I was a sponge when it came to the running of a school building. I wanted to be around the action, help in any way I could, and Naz just let me. I learned so much in my first few years as a teacher and was exposed to so much of the administrative world at an early age, thanks to him.
Was Naz perfect, no, none of us are but he reminded me so much of myself in certain things that i found myself drawn to him even more.
Over the years we have stayed in touch, have lunch together once in a while, text about special moments. I even get video clips of him playing his saxophone when he’s down in Florida. His positive energy and outlook on life is always inspiring to hear.
I love getting “likes” and comments on my Twitter posts from him. To know he is still watching and proud of what I’m doing, is motivating.
When I was appointed Principal at Waldwick High School in 2008, Naz was there. He took the time to drive to Waldwick and be there for me on that special night. I will never forget that!
My Admin 101 comes from so much that he taught me over the years:
He would tell me, incorporate the good things that you learn from administrators and make them yours. But in that very same breath he would say, it’s more important that you don’t repeat the mistakes of others or blindly follow.
Understand who you are as a leader. Know your strengths and let them guide you. Acknowledge your weaknesses, but don’t let them hold you back. Work on them, learn from others and surround yourself with quality people.
I could recite so many of his words of wisdom, but I need to highlight the importance of RESPECT. Respect meant so much to him in so many different ways.
Respect your students! Respect your staff! Understand what they are dealing with in life. Listen to them. Let them know you care and be there for them.
I use the word Relationships as my WHY, and I’m sure that comes from the lessons I learned from Bruce and the word RESPECT.
Thank you Zac and Jack for sharing your dad with so many of us over the years. His love for you is beyond words.
Naz … I think you know how important you are to me and my growth as an educator. My success is a reflection of you and the love you have shown me. Thank you!