By Bonnie Shao & Hailey Duan, Banner Staff & Contributing Writer 

Behind security desks, around the perimeter of the field, and through the buzzer speakers at the front door and back gate, Winsor’s security staff works tirelessly every day to maintain the safety of students, faculty, staff, and the building itself. The Banner had the privilege of interviewing two members of the Winsor security team to learn about their work and their lives outside of Winsor. First, we heard from Vanessa Shaw, Winsor’s security manager, who has been at Winsor for five months. 

Can you please provide a short overview of what your work is like as a security staff manager?

As the security manager, I oversee the other security staff, but while I’m here during the day, my main goal is to make sure that the perimeters are secured and that the students here in the building are safe. Primarily, I make sure that whoever does not belong within the Winsor community is not gaining access to our school.

What is your favorite aspect of working at a school?

I love interacting with the students. It’s interesting that even though I’m an adult, I have such a great connection with the students. You would think that the age difference would make it a little different, but no, the students adapt to me as well as I adapt to them. Through interactions, students and I can learn so much from each other.

Can you recall any particularly meaningful interactions that you have had with students?

Once, a student came to me with an issue. She felt a lot more comfortable coming to me than her teachers, which was surprising to me because, you know, I’m fairly new here; I’ve only been here for five months. This experience definitely made me have a greater connection with her. In general, my day-to-day interactions with students—saying “hi,” “good morning,” “have a great day”—as well as this student’s feeling comfortable enough to come to me have definitely made me feel accepted into the community at Winsor.

What’s your favorite part of a typical day here at Winsor? What do you find most rewarding about your work? 

This is going to sound crazy, but the favorite part of my day is when you all are switching classes. When you guys are switching classes—whether you’re going to dance, for instance, or just moving throughout the building—that’s when I have the most interaction with you guys. 

That’s the best part of my day: when I get to see you guys passing through here in the LOC. You guys’ moving around makes my day.

What are some things you like to do during your free time?

I write poetry a lot, and I also have dabbled in writing novels. I’m almost done with my first novel; I have about two more chapters to go. I got my degree in criminal justice, so it’s a crime novel. I should be finished soon, and I’ll hopefully get it published.

The Banner was also able to speak with Noah Turner, a member of the security staff who has been at Winsor for two years.

Can you provide a short overview of your work as a security staff member?

I am a front desk receptionist as well as a security guard. I make sure the school is safe for everyone, let people in when they ring the bell, do internal tours of the school, answer the phone when Ms. Marshall isn’t here, and help check in visitors.

What’s your favorite part of a day here at Winsor? What do you find most rewarding about your work? 

My favorite part of the day is in the morning during drop-off. That is also the most rewarding part: seeing all the kids grow up and getting to be a part of the community.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I went to a musical theater conservatory in New York, so I do a lot of singing, acting, and dancing in my free time.

The Banner would like to thank Ms. Shaw, Mr. Turner, and the rest of the security team for their inexhaustible efforts to keep Winsor safe and their invaluable contributions to the Winsor community!

Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.