Hong, Activities Director at Andrew Hill High School: Advize Career Interview
A career in education offers diverse and rewarding pathways, as evidenced by Andrew Hill High School's Activities Director.
Initially pursuing medicine, this individual's experience teaching math and science on a reservation and at a San Jose charter school, alongside a Master's in Education, shaped their current role.
The Activities Director manages all extracurricular activities, from homecoming to prom, juggling teaching responsibilities, overseeing the tutoring program and yearbook, and managing finances.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are vital, allowing for collaboration with students and staff to bring their visions to life.
While navigating differing opinions among stakeholders presents a challenge, the most fulfilling aspect is seeing student goals and dreams realized.
The interview emphasizes the importance of a genuine love for students, consistent presence, self-advocacy, and understanding that individual impact is part of a larger supportive network.
Substitute teaching and teaching assistant roles are suggested entry points, with the potential to earn $250 a day in California.
The experience highlights the underrepresentation of Asian American women in educational leadership and the importance of assertive self-representation within the field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Hong Ha Hoang
Activities Director
Andrew Hill High School
University of Washington, 2015
Alliant International University, Masters in Education
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Biology & Related Sciences, Psychology
Education
Education
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path Of An Activities Director At Andrew Hill High School
Initially intending a medical career, Hong pursued "teaching for two years," deferring medical school after completing prerequisites and the MCAT. This experience, including "teaching Math and Science in the reservation in New Mexico," led to a position at a San Jose charter school, where this individual obtained a master's in education and administrative credentials, ultimately shaping their current role.
Main Responsibilities of an Activities Director at Andrew Hill High School
Hong, Andrew Hill High School's Activities Director, describes the role as encompassing "everything that is not related to academics," managing all school events, clubs, and student activities outside of the classroom, including events like homecoming and prom. This makes Hong a vital link for students pursuing extracurricular engagement.
A Day In The Life Of An Activities Director At Andrew Hill High School
Hong's day as Activities Director at Andrew Hill High School is "pretty long," juggling teaching two classes, overseeing the tutoring program and yearbook, advising student leadership ("we talked about what events we want to host"), managing finances ("a lot of finances"), and supporting numerous extracurricular activities, often extending into the evenings. This multifaceted role showcases the significant responsibility and varied demands inherent in the position.
Most Important Skills for an Activities Director at Andrew Hill High School
Effective communication is paramount for an Activities Director, as the role necessitates "working with students," guiding them, and managing the many logistical details of event planning through "timely and clear communication." This requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to convey information clearly and efficiently to numerous stakeholders.
Favorite Parts of Being an Activities Director at Andrew Hill High School
Hong, the Activities Director, most enjoys collaborating with Andrew Hill High School's staff and students, stating that "seeing their vision of what they want to accomplish come to life" is fulfilling. This includes supporting diverse initiatives, from financial literacy programs to senior events like prom, demonstrating a commitment to student engagement and empowerment.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Activities Director At Andrew Hill High School
A significant challenge for the Activities Director at Andrew Hill High School is navigating differing visions among committees and individuals involved in planning school events; the director highlights the difficulty of "helping them come to a compromise" when multiple stakeholders have "different ideas."
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Education Industry As An Activities Director
Hong's favorite aspect of the education industry is the ability to "work with students and achieve their goals and dreams," impacting many lives both as a classroom educator and activities director. The opportunity to implement programs supporting student success is a particularly rewarding element of their role.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Education According To An Andrew Hill Activities Director
Success in education, according to Hong, an Activities Director, hinges on a genuine love for students and a strong internal "why"—a clear sense of purpose that sustains one through challenging days. This grounding is crucial because the field presents "a lot of moving parts," demanding resilience and commitment.
What an Activities Director at Andrew Hill High School wishes they had known before entering the education industry
Hong, an Activities Director, reflects that a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of the education field is the understanding that "as much as [one] has an impact on students, it's not just [one]." The multitude of influences on students means that individual educators should not bear the weight of every outcome, but rather strive to be "one part of the puzzle."
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Substitute Teachers
Hong, an Activities Director, highlights substitute teaching as an excellent entry-level opportunity, noting that in California, "once you hit a certain number of credits...you can actually start subbing as a full-time substitute teacher," earning "$250 a day" and gaining valuable classroom experience. This path, along with teaching assistant roles, provides undergraduates with practical experience in the field.
Significant Career Lesson From An Activities Director At Andrew Hill High School
Hong, an Activities Director, learned that "showing up is most of the battle," making a significant impact on students and colleagues through consistent presence and check-ins; this realization led Hong to prioritize daily interactions, even brief ones, discovering the profound effect of simple acts of connection.
How College Helped an Activities Director at Andrew Hill High School Succeed
To achieve success in college, Hong emphasizes the importance of "always advocating for [oneself] and always asking questions," actively seeking knowledge and learning from all experiences. This proactive approach, which Hong continues to utilize in their career as an Activities Director, proves invaluable for acquiring useful information and fostering continuous growth.
How Identity Has Influenced An Activities Director at Andrew Hill High School's Career
Hong, an Asian American woman Activities Director, notes the underrepresentation of Asian American women in educational leadership, stating, "I don't see myself represented in that room," and describes the resulting need to consciously assert their qualifications and "take up space" to advocate for students and their own perspectives within a male-dominated field.
Advizer Personal Links
No