Interview with new Academic Center Director Lynn Zalon

Andrea Gomes, Arts and Trends Editor

What position were you before?
I started at WY in fall of 2002 as a counselor. After two years I was asked to interview for the Admissions Director. Four years later, I was asked to interview for a Dean position when Mr. Lattyak retired. This summer I was approached about an opening for asst. principal.

What position are you now?
This will be my first year as an assistant principal. I will be the testing coordinator as well as Director of the Academic Center.

Which position do you like better so far and why?
I have liked all of my roles here at Whitney Young. It usually takes me a whole year to really get a handle on a new role. My love is counseling and I try to bring that piece to every position I hold. What I have found is that for my own peace of mind, I need to engage in something that feeds my soul. Counseling , listening to others and helping when I can, feeds my soul. I am certain my counseling skills will serve me well in my new position.

Why did you want to be moved up?
I think I wanted to challenge myself. Sometimes you have to just move out of your comfort zone and say yes to change. I think as a school that we have a tremendous opportunity for growth and I want to be an integral part of that.

How do you think this change will affect the WY students and school as a whole?
My role is just one of many that changed over the summer. We have 12 new teachers (I think) and three new administrators. Any time you add new people to the mix, things change. I feel a new energy and spirit in the building! I think people are looking for support and cohesiveness. We all really are in this together, so let’s come together.

What are you planning to do with your new position?
At this point I just want to learn my responsibilities and keep my areas of concentration running smoothly. I have a great deal to learn in a very short time.

What have you done this summer to prepare yourself for this position?
I have been studying the REACH Framework for the last four weeks. I have also been sorting through files and picking the brains of Ms. Chinn, Ms. Melton and Mr. Swanson.

Do you feel prepared?
Yes and no. The learning curve is steep and I find I am a bit challenged by the technology pieces I have encountered. However, I am sure I will gain confidence as I get more comfortable.

How was your summer?
It was a little shorter than I had planned, However, I did find some time for fun! The highlight of my summer was water skiing in Michigan. Water skiing has been a big part of my life since I was ten. I skied almost every day of every summer from grade school through college. Now I only ski a couple of times a summer. Every summer I wonder if I’ll still be able to slalom (get up on one ski) and so far, I am proud to say, I am!