Day in the Life: Colin Sanborn, High School Administrative Assistant

Morning Kickoff

What’s your typical morning routine before school?

I get up at about 6:15 so I have enough time to take a shower, make myself an espresso, and enjoy a small breakfast before I drive to school. (It helps that I’m only 15 minutes away!)

Do you have a go-to breakfast, coffee order, or ritual that gets you ready?

I like doing the Wordle while I eat breakfast to give my brain a little jump start.

How do you set the tone for students when the day begins?

I always try to be a calm and cheerful presence at the front desk to offset the morning scramble.

 

During the School Day

Describe what your typical day at school looks like.

I start each day by preparing the Daily Bulletin, which informs students and staff of absences, coverage, and upcoming events – and will usually be fielding calls from families and transportation companies at the same time! Once I’ve gotten over that hurdle, my day mostly involves manning the main phone line, welcoming visitors, helping ensure that students are all where they’re supposed to be, compiling reports, and supporting my fellow administrative assistants as needed. Some days are more hectic than others – I try to take it in stride!

How would your students describe you in three words?

Cheerful, helpful, easygoing

What’s one quirky item you keep on your desk & the story behind it?

MunMun is a colorful plush animal who sticks to the metal cabinet on my desk. He is supposedly a monkey, but mostly he’s just cute. His magnetic paws are excellent for holding documents!

What’s something that always makes you smile during the school day?

When students say hi to me as they walk by the front desk! 

 

Behind the Scenes

Do you have a go-to snack or energy boost that keeps you going mid-day?

A piece of fruit from the cafeteria, a cup of coffee, and a brisk walk up and down the stairs!

How do you like to collaborate with your colleagues or support your team?

I try to give my colleagues as much notice as possible when I’m arranging coverage for their classes, switching up a schedule, et cetera. I also collaborate with Audrey, my counterpart in the Middle School front office, throughout the day; we’re always calling each other to brainstorm!

What’s one small detail or habit that helps your office run smoothly?

Being proactive! If I can get the ball rolling on Tuesday’s tasks by the end of the day on Monday, everyone’s life gets a little easier.

 

After the Bell

How do you usually wrap up your school day?

Once students have gotten on their cabs, I usually start preparing tomorrow’s bulletin and scheduling emails that need to go out first thing in the morning. This is also my favorite time to tidy up my desk and file any stray documents.

What are your favorite hobbies or activities outside of school?

I play Dungeons and Dragons with my college friends every Tuesday night, which is a big highlight of my week! I am also a hobbyist illustrator.

What does your evening routine look like?

I like to wind down with a cup of tea and a low-stakes TV show or chill video game.

 

In closing

My favorite part of working at LPS is the incredible positivity that all of my coworkers cultivate. Everyone genuinely cares about the work they do and comes to school each day ready to support their students and colleagues alike; it’s a truly unique work environment, and I’m so grateful to be a part of such a passionate team!