BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Some people know the career path that’s best for them at a very young age and never wander too far from it. But others take a more winding road to find their perfect job and often end up exactly where they belong.
Joan Hall is an example of that.
She’s been working as an instructional aide for more than two decades, a career that was never on her radar, and one that is a far cry from her original job choice.
The good news: it’s turned out to be the perfect career for her.
Meet Ted and Miss Joan: student and instructional aide, and also two really good friends.
“Ted is fun, smart, loving,” said Hall.
“They just have a special connection,” added Ted’s dad, Harlan Stewart.
Their connection started when Ted was in kindergarten and was matched with Miss Joan. They’ve been together ever since. And their connection extends beyond the school day.
“She’s kind of an adopted part of our family,” said Stewart.
A family Miss Joan didn’t know she needed, all thanks to a job she never dreamed she’d fall in love with.
“I went to school to be a legal secretary,” she admitted.
But when her kids were young, she was looking for something with better hours. A friend encouraged her to apply at Myhre; 25 years later, she’s still working in the same job at the same school.
“I love kids. I just want to help them,” she said.
Ted’s dad, who also works as an aide at Myhre, said Miss Joan has been instrumental in helping Ted navigate the challenges of school.
“She thinks of different, new and creative solutions of how to teach the material to him,” he said.
Stewart isn’t the only one who notices Hall’s hard work.
This spring, she was named the state’s Educational Support Professional of the Year.
“It’s such an honor and very humbling,” she said.
And while Hall said the recognition is nice, the real reward for her is seeing a smile on Ted’s face.
“He makes me smile every day. Every day,” she said.
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