Maria Porter was a counselor from GFHS who craved a different way of interacting with students. She found a new opportunity in the CMR media center by becoming a librarian.

“It’s not your normal library where it is quiet,” she said. “But it’s always busy and loud.”

She enjoyed her previous position, but found that kids were there for a reason, not because they wanted to be. Taking on a new job has enabled her to interact differently with the students.

“[My favorite part is] the interaction with the kids,” Porter said. “They are down here to just talk and they don’t have to be here.”

Junior Jacsen Nystrom is one of the many students who feel comfortable talking to Porter. He spends a majority of his day in the media center discussing a variety of topics.

“I get to talk to Maria and discuss my problems,” he said.

The closeness to her home and better hours were also a significant factor in choosing to change jobs.

“I loved the job, but I needed something that would fit my hours better,” she said.

Porter has finally found a position where she can not only talk to students for fun, but she is in a place where she truly enjoys her job.