GREENSBORO, N.C. — Greensboro’s Bessemer Elementary School has a new principal. He's a few weeks into his new job, but the first time he walked those halls he was on his way to class as a student.

Dr. Jonathan Brooks keeps a few photos in his new office. One of them is from 1988, his first day of kindergarten at Bessemer Elementary School. Another shows him as a first grader sitting with his principal on his birthday in a frame that says "On Your Way."

After attending Bessemer Elementary, he didn’t know he’d return as its leader more than 30 years later. 

“I remember being scared and walking through this long hallway, which seems three miles at the time when you’re a 5-year-old. I remember coming through and feeling welcome here; safe and supported,” he said. 

Brooks decided to pursue a career in education while in college. He remembered how his high school coaches and other teachers inspired him, and how he wanted to have that same impact on someone else. Brooks led an elementary school in Durham for a few years before the opportunity to work at his alma mater opened up. 

“I received a strong foundation when I was a kindergartener, first grader and second grader. And so I take it as a personal challenge to make sure that I provide, or I help support our teachers in providing a similar experience for our students that are here now,” Brooks said. 

After accepting the principal’s position at Bessemer, Brooks was greeted by some familiar memories, like the stage in the cafeteria where he had his kindergarten graduation and his introduction to faculty a few months ago.

Brooks believes his connection to the school strengthens his connection with his students and their families. 

“They consider me one of them. I am truly a Bobcat … that automatic connection and relationship goes a long way, and so it helps us on the day-to-day basis,” Brooks said. 

Above all, Brooks wants to build confidence and ambition in his students. He says he and other educators strive toward treating all students as if they will become the principal of Bessemer one day, just as he did.