Looking at things with rose-colored glasses keeps Cynthia Clyburn smiling. That outlook is also what led to Clyburn being recognized as one of the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Support Employees of the Year for 2003.
As an instructional assistant at Little Run Elementary School, Clyburn considers her smile the key to greeting the special-needs children she teaches all day. In addition, she monitors the morning transportation for those students at Little Run, mans the BoardMaker computer for those with limited English skills, and mentors a third-grader three days a week.
"I'm not a paper person, I'm a people person," she said.
Clyburn started with FCPS in 1999 and was nominated for this award last year but didn't have enough time in the school system to qualify. In March, she found out she was a finalist, appeared before a special board, and won the award along with Regina Burke, business operations supervisor in the Department of Human Resources.
"I love my job. It was a great honor and totally unexpected," Clyburn said.
School spokesperson Paul Regnier noted the importance of support personnel.
"A lot of our employees are neither principals or teachers. Things don't happen in the schools without these other people," he said.
CLYBURN, who makes everyone call her "Miss Cindy," remembered a blind, lethargic girl who was in her class her first year in 1999.
"I worked with this child a very long time. When the student left, we were walking with my hand," Clyburn said.
Although the family moved out of the area, the mother brought her back last year to show Clyburn the child's progress. It was a highlight of Clyburn's career.
"She went from not even feeding herself to eating on her own," Clyburn said. "This child knew us. She was laughing and making noises. It was so great."
According to Little Run principal Janet Johnson, Clyburn's efforts do not go unrecognized. The parents of this child even sent a letter of commendation to FCPS superintendent Dr. Daniel Domenech. Clyburn's efforts to create a positive learning environment reinforce her belief in the human spirit, Johnson said.
"She's a pretty amazing person," Johnson said. "We knew she needed to be recognized."
Clyburn started with a certificate from the Child Development Association and has taken several classes with the school system. She isn't striving for her teaching certificate, though. The positive impact she's made at Little Run is enough for her.
"I have to keep doing this," she said. "Money isn't important, I'd rather be doing what I like."
What others may see as a hopeless situation, Clyburn doesn't. She remains optimistic, even in the face of dismal medical diagnoses.
"With these kids, it's their beginning," Clyburn said. "How are we going to know if we don't try?"