Multiple Yutan graduates have come back to work at Yutan’s schools, but Mya Hays has been the most recent this year. Hays (class of 2021) is working as a paraprofessional in the special education department.
“A para is an individual who works alongside general teachers, specifically assisting the students who may have intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities or may just be behind in a certain subject,” Hays said.
Hays always knew that she wanted to do something with the brain and how it operates. From ages 17-22, she worked in a memory care facility with geriatric residents at a nursing home. Then, in college, she decided to start a job at a disability service center.
“I gained a significant amount of experience from my job at the disability service center (Apace). I learned how an individual with a disability may operate differently than an individual without a disability,” Hays said.
Since Hays already had experience with the elderly and middle-aged group, after she graduated from Doane University with bachelor’s in psychology, she wanted to expand her experience with the youth at Yutan.
“I chose Yutan because Yutan is all I know,” said Hays, who attended Yutan from sixth grade through graduation.
With the current students, Hays is working to establish a strong bond with them as she assists throughout the day.
“As a para, I have a set schedule to go into classrooms every class period. School is more than homework, tests and quizzes. It is also about building interpersonal relationships, practicing a healthy routine and working on time management,” Hays said.
Not only does she help the students, but she can also help the teachers.
“Mya is great support for the students who need extra support, but she’s also an excellent pair of eyes and ears in the classroom to help with behavioral problems,” math teacher Kassie Trevarrow said.
Although some assume it might be weird to be working with their former teachers, Hays enjoys working with the staff.
“It is truly amazing to work alongside the teachers who made me who I am today,” Hays said.
Since she is working with students who struggle with school, however, some challenges come with the job.
“Many challenges come with being a para. One that I am focusing on is person-centered support. I believe that person-centered support can always be improved but never perfected. Everyone changes every day,” Hays said.
Although there are challenges throughout the day, there is always something positive that makes it fun.
“One of the positive ways being a para affects my life is that I have the opportunity to watch kids succeed,” Hays said. “It’s always a great end to my day to be able to tell myself that I was a part of a student’s success and happiness at school.”
