An Interview with Mrs. Maral
At the beginning of the year, it was announced that Dr. Dorian would no longer serve the role of principal. She would be moving onto a new position called Head of School and our High School Academic Advisor, Mrs. Maral Tavitian, would take on the position of principal. Some were confused by how the new system would operate. It is apparent that it has been smooth sailing so far, but we decided to go straight to the source and really understand how the school’s new system works.
“Hello Mrs. Maral. Thank you for agreeing to interview today. First of all, how do you like your new job?”
Mrs. Maral: “It’s an unbelievably huge responsibility. I went into this knowing that, but I don’t think I fully understood exactly how large of a scale in responsibility it is and how it would be affecting me physically, mentally and emotionally. I don’t think you know that until you get into anything that is new. For students, it will be stepping into the university world. You know it’s going to be hard, but you don’t know until you are actually in it. It’s a humbling opportunity for sure, for people that I look up to to believe in me. I have good and bad days; that goes with any job, but overall it’s been a tremendous learning experience.”
“So you would say it has been a smooth transition?”
Mrs. Maral: “I think it has been as smooth of a transition as it could have possibly been. Somebody new is stepping into this role and things are changing, especially with the adding something new into the mix. I think knowing that all of these changes were going to happen, we were worried that the ripple effects would be bigger. But I feel it has been business as usual. Yes, Dr. Dorian has not been here every day and there definitely is a void there; you miss that because that’s what you were used to.”
“Yes, she has her own personality and you have a different personality, so that affects the day-to-day life at school.”
Mrs. Maral: “Yes, but I always remind myself she is still here and is still very involved in everything, but she just physically isn’t here. The day-to-day stuff is more on my shoulders now Hopefully, with the two of us, we will continue to grow.”
“That was my next question, actually. Head of School is a new position for our new school. How exactly does this new system work?”
Mrs. Maral: “To be honest, we are figuring it out as we go along. It wasn’t in existence before this year. But the easiest way I can explain it is that the day-to-day operations about events, deadlines and community falls on my shoulders. I am the principal at the helm who makes decisions or that people can go to for advice. And Dr. Dorian handles much more of the financial decisions and expansion of the school: long-term strategic programs and movements, which is her and that is her expertise and her strength. We figured why should someone with the ability to do that be inundated with the day-to-day. So we split that responsibility.”
“Is there any new direction you are taking that differs from your predecessor? If so, what?”
Mrs. Maral: “I can’t say that I am doing anything different. I didn’t feel like it was necessary to make any major changes because I have always been a supporter of Dr. Dorian’s vision and her goal. I only wanted to make sure that when I came, I could uphold what she has created and continue in that direction. Once I get more stable, I can introduce new things.”
“What are some similarities and differences between being a counselor and a principal? How has being a counselor helped you in your new position?”
Mrs. Maral: “I think the counselor position fit best with my personality because I think I am an emotionally invested person. Everything I do has a big emotional component and I am constantly considering how would something affect a person. Having that lens helps in this position because you should still always take into consideration how someone is going to be affected by your decision. I think any good leader should have that part of their heart exposed. So I think I have had practice and now I can continue that.”
“How did you become involved in the education field?”
Mrs. Maral: “So, I have been in the education field since I was 22, so for 15 years. I started off in the public school system and I worked with special ed kids for a very long time through undergrad and part of graduate school. I worked with kids specifically on the autism spectrum. When I came here, the counselor position had opened up and I thought it would be a good way to gain experience. Never did I envision having a principal role, even up until the opportunity presented itself. It wasn’t my horizon and it just never occurred to me. Then when the opportunity presented itself obviously with my dad and his experience and paired with the fact that Dr. Dorian has so much faith in me, I realized that you just have to take a leap of faith.”
“What is your favorite part or one of the best moments of the job?”
Mrs. Maral: “Seriously, I love getting hugs from kids. Whether you are a counselor, teacher or principal, when you get a hug from a kid of any grade level, it means that they feel I am approachable and they can have that kind of relationship with me. And that those moments when they embrace you is just a reminder that all the things you stress about doesn’t matter. Cause here is a kid who comes to school five days a week, happy and healthy, and they get what they need to get done and life goes on. Don’t let the small things get in the way.”
“So the kids kind of bring you down to Earth.”
Mrs. Maral: “More than anything, they are uplifting. And that’s the first thing I always think about. Yes, there are parents and faculty members and community members. But even with the difficult decisions I have had to make, the first thing I say is “how will these affect students?” So to answer your specific question, it is not one, it is multiple instances and it happens all the time. When I embrace a kid, it is the best feeling.”
“Thank you so much for your time, Mrs. Maral.”
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