38 years ago, Stedman Elementary School’s new principal Michael Atkins started off as a custodian, but he always knew he wanted something more.
He was a young father, his first daughter was born when he was 19. He wanted to be a role model for her and for other young fathers.
So at a time when just 2 percent of educators in the U.S. are African American men, Atkins saw an opportunity to be something he needed as a student, a male role model.
Atkins' grandmother once said: “Don’t let someone write your story, make sure you write your own story. And if someone has something to do with your story let them edit it, do not let them create it.”
He worked his way up from custodian to Principal and now he's telling his story to anyone that wants to hear it.
Principal Atkins talked to Carolyn McArdle about his journey. Listen below: