Chloe Smith talks with Willie Jefferson about the 23 years he has worked as a custodian at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School, and some of his impressions of her.
Originally aired October 23, 2009, on NPR’s Morning Edition.
Transcript
Chloe Smith (CS) and Willie Jefferson (WJ)
CS: What were your first days like at OLA?
WJ: Oh my first day at OLA, it was kind of scary, just like a new student. Being a Catholic school, my first boss, she was a nun. I never had met a nun before. She was a nice lady though.
CS: You are married though, correct?
WJ: Yes I am, twenty-four years. Unfortunately, we don’t have kids, but God made up for it. I got all of you guys.
CS: Cuz you feel like parents to all of us students and so you’re like family. You are!
WJ: That’s nice. I feel the same way. It’s like the whole school, all the kids are my family. And I’m going to watch out for you just like I would watch out for them.
CS: What would be your favorite time of day?
WJ: It’s lunch time. I see you at your desks at lunch, and you’re free and expressing yourselves, and I also pray with the kids. ’Father, we give you thanks for these and all your gifts which we have received through Christ our Lord. Amen.
CS: Every day you say that, and I love it. What were your first impressions of me?
WJ: Chloe, well you know you always have been a standing out person with me. Diplomatic little lady. You’re always solving problems. You got a lot of people that follow you. You’re a little leader. Yeah, you’re a good kid.
CS: Thank you.
WJ: Yeah, you’re on the right track, Chloe. Just stay focused sweetheart and all of the good things will come to you.