Each week, Education World profiles a different school principal. His or her responses offer insight into what it takes to be a principal, what a principal's day is like, and the special challenges a principal faces.

Principal Profile: All About Lucie Boyadjian

Your school:
Glen Oaks School, a grade 2-5 school in Hickory Hills, Illinois (600 students).

Number of years in that position:
Six years.

Your education experience:
I was a classroom teacher for 20 years before becoming a principal.

How did you get your job as principal?
I was promoted within the school district.

What is your education motto or mantra?
"Seek to understand before being understood."

What is an unforgivable trait in a colleague?
Giving up on a student.

What's the first thing you do when you get to work in the morning?
I say "good morning" to the school secretary or turn on my computer.

Who or what most influenced your decision to become an educator?
I guess I always had a teacher quality about me -- even as a child. When I gathered the neighborhood kids and played school, I was always the teacher.

What is the biggest challenge you will face this school year?
Limited space, overcrowding.

What do you do to relieve stress?
I go for long walks, go shopping, talk to colleagues, plan a vacation, or visualize retirement in seven years.

What is the most important quality of a strong school leader?
Having a vision -- knowing where your school is and where you want to take it.

What have you been reading lately?
Forgotten Fire; How to Think About the Great Ideas; and Past Lives, Future Healing.

If you're having a good day at work, what makes it good?
The entire day goes about with total positive energy and not one single problem develops.

If you could have a different career, what would that be?
I can't see myself outside of education, but playing Minnie at Disney World sounds grand!