While on his way to the United States, fleeing war torn Eritrea
in Ethiopia, Russom Mesfun
’s plane hit severe turbulence an half an hour out of New York.
He then began to pray the plane would land safely so he could just
catch a glimpse of America The plane landed safely, and Mesfun’s
prayer was answered and then some. In the 14 years since that time,
Mesfun has lived the American dr
eam.
While on his way to the United States, fleeing war torn Eritrea in Ethiopia, Russom Mesfun’s plane hit severe turbulence an half an hour out of New York. He then began to pray the plane would land safely so he could just catch a glimpse of America
The plane landed safely, and Mesfun’s prayer was answered and then some. In the 14 years since that time, Mesfun has lived the American dream. He did not have a penny in his pocket when he landed, now he is the principal of Britton Middle School and has become very successful.
Mesfun, originally a teacher for six years, became an administrator desiring to change relationships between the administration and the teachers at Skyline High School in Oakland. He started out as a department chair before moving up to an assistant principal.
After two years as an assistant prinicipal at Skyline he decided he was ready to assume the helm of a school.
“I was designed to be a principal,” Mesfun said.
An opportunity presented itself when longtime Principal Jim McDonald, who had been Britton’s principal since 1999, retired.
Mesfun had similar offers in other school districts. So the question was, why Britton?
“I was attracted to the strong parent involvement in the Morgan Hill community,” Mesfun said.
But Mesfun’s main motivation is the students. At his previous school, he made an effort to reach out to everyone. Mesfun witnessed his efforts pay off when students, who had learned of his position change, came to him crying.
Mesfun hopes he can repeat his success at Britton.
“My goal, by the end of the year is to have at least one conversation with every student,” Mesfun said.
Superintendent Carolyn McKennan said that during the interview process, and subsequent meetings she noticed how passionate Mesfun is toward the children.
“His focus was on the students,” McKennan said. “All his answers were what the best interests of students would be. He has a strong commitment to the students. It seems to be the genesis of all his thinking.”
While some teachers may shy away from middle school, opting to work with children or the more mature high school students. But Mesfun sees middle school as the prime time to reach students and shape their lives.
“Research shows that a teacher can make a difference,” Mesfun said. “Even if the student has a low socio-ecomomic status, low parent education, regardless of a lot of bad things, if the teacher works with the child, they can change anything.”
Mesfun himself can testify to the efforts of good teachers. Coming from a background where an education is one of the hardest things to obtain, he beat the odds and all thanks the hard work of the teachers.
“I come from one of the poorest, most war torn, drought stricken countries in the world, but the education I received was second to none,” Mesfun said. “I then realized the power of the teacher. If you have great teachers, you can come from the poorest country in the world and be successful.”
McDonald was a principal who was well liked by the entire school community, setting the bar high for Mesfun. But he is up to the challenge and is excited that he is replacing a popular principal.
“When ever such a popular person leaves, it’s a huge loss,” Mesfun said. “There is an opportunity that will come. There is a new challenge and that’s the reward.”
While McKennan said McDonald was a popular principal, Mesfun should be able pick up right where he left off.
“I don’t see filling anyone’s shoes,” McKennan said. “He is climbing on shoulders of his predecessor. You hope… you did your best and they will take what you started to next level.”
McKennan added that while their personalities were different, the two principals had a few important things in common.
“It was fun to work with Jim,” McKennan said. “He and Russom both have contagious, enthusiastic and infectious smiles. They are different in style, but their hearts came from the same place.”
Mesfun officially began work July 1, but he had been hard at work before, working with McDonald to make a smooth transition. Leading up to the start of school school’s start August 24, Mesfun will be working with others to make sure opening day will go off with out a hitch.
“From the time he came in, he was thinking what he could do for the school,” McKennan said. “He came into the office and has made sure that teachers have what they need, how he can contact parents, and makes sure the facilities are safe.”
When school opens, he plans to visit every class, to observe the teachers and the students.
Mesfun wants to be the student’s principal. He wants students to feel comfortable to approach him and talk with him about anything.
He never wants to put students down and is eager to find a solution rather than punishment when dealing with behavior problems.
“When I call a parent, I don’t want to tell them that their kid is a failure,” Mesfun said. “I want to tell the parent, well he had a bad day, I know he is a good kid.”
McKennan said Mesfun wants classes to be as interesting as possible so he will never have to phone a parent about a discipline problem.
“He was asked, what if a student needs discipline for disrupting class?” McKennan said. “He responded by saying why would they need it? The class would be so good that the students will be interested and excited and consumed with fun.”
While at Skyline, Mesfun had one student who was having a behavior problem and was sent to him. He asked the student, “did you have anything to eat today?”
The student hadn’t, so Mesfun made sure he got some food.
Mesfun is eager to get started. He plans to move to the area with his wife, though he hasn’t chosen a place yet.
