Story by cnmAdmin2030 / September 26, 2019
If you have ever called Meeting Street Academy in Spartanburg then you have been greeted by, “It’s a beautiful day at Meeting Street Academy, how may I help you?” The warm voice belongs to Front Office Manager and Family Liaison, Juanita Dunlap.
Growing up, Juanita spent most of her childhood split between Rome, Georgia and Spartanburg, South Carolina due to her parent’s divorce. She always considered Spartanburg a second home, but ten years ago Juanita and her family decided to make it their permanent residence because of ministry. It was the answer they had been looking for, Juanita explained.
However, the move to Spartanburg brought on an unexpected hardship. Juanita’s health took a turn for the worse at work one day when she started experiencing stroke-like symptoms. Shortly after, Juanita was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She had no choice but to stop working and focus on maintaining her health. Despite the diagnosis, she did not lose faith that her health would return and after several years of visits to neurologists, she left one neurologist in disbelief. There was no longer a detection of MS; every sign was erased. With the positive news and overturning of the diagnosis, Juanita knew it was time to begin her next journey, particularly somewhere she could make a difference. Lucky for Meeting Street Academy, her search led her to their job posting.
“I was floored by the things I read, especially the belief that every child deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their zip code, Juanita said.” Naturally she applied and was invited in for an interview where she continued to be impressed by the “bright light” and “happiness” she felt in the school. She knew it was the place for her and Meeting Street Academy knew it was the place for her as well.
Juanita comes to work every day with a smile on her face and makes it her mission to spread love and joy because “happiness is circumstantial. Joy is eternal and no one can take that away from you.” And if you have ever had the pleasure of walking through the doors of Meeting Street Academy in Spartanburg, you know Juanita keeps her promise. Learn more about Juanita and life at Meeting Street Academy below!
How do you describe your job to the students?
I usually tell them my #1 job is to keep everyone in the building safe. I take pride in that. I am the gatekeeper and I am always going to know who everyone is. It brings a lot of joy to know that I keep everyone safe. I show them that no one can get in the building unless I click the button. The students also take pride in knowing I see their parents and always ask questions like, “Ms. Juanita, am I going home early? I forgot to bring this, can you call my mom? I take pride in handling their requests as well. If I promise them I’m going to call (if it’s a reasonable request), then I do.
What’s the best part about your job?
Seeing the children be children and enjoying themselves. I get to see them play and hear their laughter. I also like to make someone smile who is frowning.
What piece of advice would you give to those trying to decide if a career as a front office manager in education is right for them?
1. You have to love people. Everyone deserves to be treated with the utmost respect. In customer service related positions, you can tell when people don’t enjoy what they do. You have to have a smiling face and be cordial, even if you’re having a bad day, you have to rise above that.
2. Multitask without frustration. Someone may be at the door, a teacher may need something. I would encourage someone to be able to do it all with a smile on their face.
What made you decide to say yes to working at MSA?
I knew from the day I stepped in the door at the interview that I wanted to work here. I wanted to be in the school working around children, families, and others to make a difference by treating anyone who walked through the door with love and respect. It was meant to be.
What’s your fondest memory since working at MSA? What did your best work day look like?
We were doing a Triple P meeting with the parents (Positive Parenting Program). One of the ladies from the community came in and said she’s learned more in these sessions than any other programs she has attended and felt loved. We made an impact on her and gave her the tools to know she could leave from there and be better than when she came.
When is the best time of the year at MSA?
During the holidays when we are doing all the evening programs because a lot of the time I miss that during the day while covering the front desk. I love to witness the children performing onstage and sharing their gifts and talents. I think I cry every time seeing how happy they are in that moment. It brings so much joy to me.
How has working at MSA changed your perspective?
It has changed my perspective on working in general. It is a grand opportunity to share and spread the light. I have to take myself out of the equation. It’s not about me. It’s about everyone who comes through that door. It’s kids first.
What are you most grateful for?
Life. We wouldn’t be here without it.
In your opinion, what’s the closest thing to “real” magic?
Genuine love. I would say there is nothing like it, it runs deep. It overflows and if it’s in your heart, then it will overflow into others.
Join a community of incredible, passionate people working to change the lives of our students. Our compensation and benefits are a cut above the rest: the most competitive total compensation in the region.
Start Your Career!Meeting Street Schools (MSS) is an innovative non-profit where schools, families, and the community collaborate to create environments where all children can achieve their full potential. With a network of schools across South Carolina, including MSA-Charleston (Charleston, SC), MSA-Spartanburg (Spartanburg, SC), MS-Brentwood (North Charleston, SC), MS-Burns (North Charleston, SC), and MS-Jasper & Beaufort (Jasper, SC), we are committed to providing students with the rigorous education they deserve.
Founded on the principle that every child deserves an excellent education regardless of their socio-economic background, Meeting Street Schools has been a beacon of hope and a testament to what's possible in education. Our schools are driven by a strong focus on student achievement, evidence-based instruction, and relentless support of our students and their families.
While united by our shared mission, each MSS campus, is unique in its character, tapping into the local spirit of the communities they serve. Explore each of our schools and discover how they're creating a brighter future for students in South Carolina.
Nestled in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, MSA Charleston is more than just a school—it’s a hub for innovative learning and community engagement. As part of the Meeting Street Schools network, MSA Charleston embodies a commitment to excellence through its rigorous academic programs, inclusive culture, and focus on developing the whole child. With a curriculum that emphasizes both academic and personal growth, MSA Charleston prepares students to be curious learners and active citizens of their community.
MSA Spartanburg stands as a pillar of educational innovation in the Spartanburg community. The school’s dedicated educators and supportive learning environment ensure that each child receives a high-quality, personalized education with exceptional faculty and teachers. MSA Spartanburg is distinguished by its emphasis on community partnership, fostering relationships that extend beyond the classroom to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
MS Brentwood is a place where education meets opportunity. Serving the Brentwood area, this school is a testament to the transformative power of education. With a student-centered approach that celebrates diversity and encourages excellence, MS Brentwood is dedicated to equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. MS Brentwood also serves as a hub for the Brentwood community to access educational and wellness services. The school’s commitment to innovation, coupled with a warm, welcoming environment, makes it a standout in the MSS network.
Located in a community rich with history and culture, MS Burns is renowned for its dynamic educational approach that intertwines traditional learning with modern teaching techniques. The school’s focus on experiential learning ensures that students at MS Burns are not only recipients of knowledge but also active participants in their educational journey. MS Burns exists to spark an educational revolution for the students and families in the Dorchester-Waylyn Neighborhood in North Charleston. With a commitment to creating a supportive and challenging academic environment, MS Burns is forging a new path in public education.
MS Jasper represents the Meeting Street Schools’ dedication to community-based education with a global perspective. The school provides a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to explore their potential and cultivate a love for learning. With its diverse programs such as Eureka Math, and Wit and Wisdom, MS Jasper puts a major emphasis on character development, specialized learning and equips students to become thoughtful, engaged members of society, reflecting the MSS ethos of empowerment through education.
“We come into work everyday truly believing that our students are capable of achieving anything that is put in front of them. Here at MSS, students are provided the opportunity to achieve success through the facilitation of well-educated teachers, resources, and a responsive classroom school environment.”
“MSA is a family. Once you’re in, you’re in. They said they would follow our kids from K-3 to college and they actually lived up to what they said they would do. Not only did MSA challenge my daughter academically but it also exposed her to new things that she probably wouldn’t have been exposed to at our previous neighborhood school. Our journey at MSA was exciting and rewarding. They actually walk the walk.”
Meeting Street Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, or national or ethnic in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships or loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
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