Wetzel County Board of Education President Warren Grace stands alongside Kandy Stephen, who was officially hired to teach at New Martinsville School. For the past couple of years, Stephen had attended classes at West Liberty University, to work toward her degree, then commuted back to New Martinsville School, where she worked as a custodian.

At the Jan. 16 meeting of the Wetzel County Board of Education, Kandy Stephen saw years of hard work pay off. Though Stephen was officially hired Tuesday evening, to teach at New Martinsville School, the Wetzel County School system – specifically the county office staff, along with administrators and staff at NMS, were not at all unfamiliar to Stephen. For the past couple of years, Stephen had worked each evening as an evening custodian at NMS. Prior to her daily work at NMS, she was attending classes at West Liberty, fervently working hard to achieve her goal of being a school teacher.

“They were long days, but I had a goal, a light at the end of the tunnel,” Stephen said.

“It wasn’t so bad.”

Stephen may be modest of the work she has put into achieving her goal of becoming a teacher; however, those who have watched her journey do not lack in their praises.

“I am so pleased to have Kandy’s enthusiasm and work ethic,” Wetzel County Schools Superintendent Ed Toman said.

“She’s just been a great employee as a custodian, and to see someone as dedicated as her to work on her professional teaching certificate, and now have a position, is incredible. We are so proud of her!” Toman added.

“We’ve watched her from the point of taking her classes and working with West Liberty, trying to work her schedule. It’s been so enjoyable,” Toman said of Stephen’s dedication.

When asked of her long days – taking classes and then working at NMS – Stephen simply stated that she kept her work clothes in the back of her car and changed after classes, prior to entering work. From working as a custodian, to becoming a teacher, Stephen said, “both jobs are benefitting children.”

Stephen said she had always wanted to be a teacher, but chose other paths. However, one morning she woke up and “decided it was time to do what I want to do.”

Stephen went to West Virginia Northern Community College for two years, prior to transferring to West Liberty University to finish her degree. She graduated with her teaching degree on Dec. 9 and became certified to teach on Dec. 21. After student teaching for a while, Stephen was made official on Jan. 16.

“I keep telling everyone to pinch me!” Stephen said, disbelieving that she has finally finished her journey to becoming a teacher.

Of her new job, she said, “It makes you want to get out of bed in the morning.”

Stephen said she knows there is a lot to still learn, but “it’s all worthwhile.”

“Success only comes with a struggle,” she said, citing a favorite quote of hers.

She also noted another quote: “Striving and struggle precede success, even in the dictionary.”

“Set your goal, and just keep working,” said Stephen, in advice to those who are working toward their personal goals.

“Life’s too short to do not do what your dream is, what you are meant to do.”

During the Jan. 16 board meeting, Assistant Superintendent Shane Highley noted that Stephen “successfully completed her student teaching during the day, while working her evening custodian position at NMS.”

Board president Warren Grace noted that, “As a board, I cannot tell you how proud we are of you. You are an inspiration to a lot of people!”

Executive Secretary Jo Beth Simmons agrees, noting that “Kandy is truly an inspiration and has a tremendous work ethic.”

“It’s a very good feeling to know that so many people supported me, and so many people believed in me,” said Stephen. “That made a big difference…”

“I think my family and friends believed in me more than I did. Even the kids I taught, the students in my student teaching, are all so excited for me.”

Stephen noted that even though she has made sacrifices to achieve her goal, her family and friends have also made sacrifices, “because I haven’t had the time to spend with them.”

And, Stephen noted, “Even though my parents aren’t alive, I know that they are very proud of me. My father always wanted me to be a teacher, so I finally achieved what he wanted his little girl to do.”