New Fossil Ridge High School Hall Monitor Destiny Smith transitioned from a job as a claims adjustor to education, driven by her passion for education and a positive environment. 

“I want to try to know as many students as possible and make some sort of connection with them,” said Smith, who is also Fossil’s color guard director. 

Smith hopes to connect with the students to make sure they feel comfortable at Fossil and to let them know that they have someone to talk with. Some students say that she’s already succeeding. 

“I think she’s a really good person to talk to when you need someone just to rant to,”  junior Kayla Gausvik said.

Smith is a source for many students to vent to and have a conversation if students are feeling overwhelmed or down, often being seen as a mentor, they said. Other staff members also appreciate her. 

“She’s helped me, like when I’ve had to talk with students or when I had to search for students,” said Dean Melissa Stapleton. “She’s kind of helped me split up some of that workload.” 

Smith hopes to share a message she hopes every student remembers: “No goal is ever too big,” she said. “Always believe in yourself and the people around you.”