Humans of WISD: Meet Tanisha

Meet Tanisha Stephens, Certified Nursing Assistant at High Point School
(Tanisha was a Teaching Assistant at the time of her story interview, and has since moved onto a new role as a a Certified Nursing Assistant at High Point School.)

I had been working in healthcare for many years and it had taken a toll on my mental health. I really thought that I would never work again. As soon as I stepped into WISD for my job interview though, something in my spirit spoke to me. Then everywhere I turned, people were saying "hello" to me. I went into classrooms and all the kids were smiling. I just knew it's where I belonged and I haven't looked back.

I have worked closely in teams, but I have never seen teamwork like I have with WISD – ever. Everybody's there for the children. You see it and you feel it. Knowing that my coworkers really love what they do just makes me feel good because I feel like our kids here are able to get what they deserve.

Some of our students may not ever be able to go out to the mall and walk around, but you know, we do that with them. It can be a challenge sometimes. Maybe I can just take one person out by myself and somebody else is with another student, but we'll see each other in the mall and just go and offer help. Maybe they don't really know me, but they help out anyway. You don't get that type of support everywhere. I love that because I like to take care of people. Even if I'm having a bad day, if I can help you, I will. 

I have found I have to take care of myself, and not let myself get to the point where it affects me mentally. When I'm out in the world, I feel I'm only gonna give so much, but when I go to WISD, I'm giving my coworkers and the students my all. I don't feel like I have to give only so much, because as much as I give to them, they give back to me. I feel good at last about giving my all. 

If I see a kid crying at school, I'm right there. That's not right – look at my babies! I tell them to come on and let's take a walk, or I'm giving them a big, soft side hug, or whatever they need to do to make their day good. We're gonna do it. And the kids are so receptive, you should see them smile and reciprocate! It's beautiful and I love that part of WISD. I love that I get back  support from the students and coworkers and community. I just feel gratitude all the time because we're just like one big, happy family. 


Inspired by (and with special permission from!) the original "Humans of New York," the "Humans of WISD" storytelling project is uncovering what drives our WISD team and why they're passionate about their work in the district and in our community.