It's all about priorities for Reavis

Even though we are all a bit out of place due to the coronavirus pandemic, safety is still a priority, and this year WF has two new security guards, one of whom is Mrs. Jakia Reavis.

Former police officer, Reavis said she knows that this is not the ideal situation, but still hopes to make sure every student feels safe here at West Florence High School.

Between being a safety monitor, a volunteer at the fire department, and married with both a son and a daughter, Reavis has her plate full. Even so, she still manages to put priorities first, as well as balance her work and home life.

“Work is important, but family is number one,” said Reavis. “Family means the most to me.”

Reavis said she loves to travel and make memories with her kids, and do things with them that she didn’t get to when she was a kid.

Reavis’ definition of a good student is someone who puts in the effort and acknowledges his or her own potential. She also said she believes that teachers are the backbone of the school, and they help students move forward into their futures.

While Reavis wouldn’t make any changes to the staff of our school, she mentioned how there are some safety points she would change, such as the open bathrooms and open exterior doors like the hallways.

After being at WF for a little while now, Reavis has a good opinion of our school. She said she loves it; it’s a lot different, the staff is friendly, and it’s starting to feel like home. She said she hasn’t had any issues with the students.

Reavis sees herself as a quiet person, and stays to herself most of the time, but not only does she absolutely love working with children, but has the same feelings toward making people feel safe.

Reavis didn’t always want to be a security guard; she said she landed into the position, but she’s glad she did. Originally Reavis wanted to go into the army.

Reavis uses the training she got from the SC Police Academy and from her two years of being a police officer to guide her way at WF. She works at Coker College in Hartsville as security as well.

Reavis went to a community college in Virginia, and started working in an academy.

“If I could go back in time, I would go to a four year college,” she said.

Her advice for someone interested in being a safety monitor is you have to have the mindset that you are willing to put other peoples’ safety before your own and the desire to help others.