As first semester came to an end, Tavion Samuel started his new position as a security guard.

Prior to working here, he was a security guard at Bryan Middle. He also coached Bryan High football and girls’ wrestling, which he’ll continue to do.

Samuel has security experience outside of schools.

“I used to work at Nebraska Furniture Mart, and I used to work at an oil-packing plant,” Samuel said. “Things like that is a big thing that made me choose to do this.”

Samuel said he’s faced some challenges in his new role.

“Consistency was a struggle for me because when I started, I had to get back into the rhythm of things,” Samuel said.

Assistant principal James Cunningham said Samuel had the qualities that made him right for the position.

“He is very positive, approachable, people feel comfortable talking to him and he’s a pretty good listener,” Cunningham said. “He’s smart, very witty, he’s got a good work ethic and he cares about the kids and other people, not just about himself, and the staff picked up on that when we first interviewed him.”

Samuel said he decided to come back because it’s a lot easier for his home life, and Bryan feels like home.

“When I was in high school, I had great chemistry with everyone I interacted with, and I hope to continue that or even create an even better chemistry with everyone here,” Samuel said.

Cunningham said when Samuel was a student, he enjoyed seeing him around.

“Even when he was a student here, he’s always been a good kid and left a smile on someone’s face when they talked to him,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham said Samuel affects everyone’s day-to-day experience at school.

“His positive energy is contagious,” Cunningham said. “Him being so approachable and kids coming up to him and seeing him, I think he brightens up their day a little bit, but not just the kids. It’s the staff too, and when people interact with him on a daily basis, that positivity wears off on them and gives them a good start to their day.”

Junior wrestler Yulissa Ventura De La Cruz thinks Samuel is a good coach and enjoys spending time with him.

“He’s like a girl dad and has a soft spot for all of us,” Ventura De La Cruz said. “He’s a very sensitive, sweet person when it comes to talking to the girls. He treats all of us like we’re his daughters, and he takes the time out his day to sit and listen to what we have to say if we’re going through something, and he’ll give you good advice on what you should do.”

Ventura De La Cruz said Samuel motivates her when she’s feeling down or isn’t in a good mood during practice or meets.

“He usually makes fun of me, then I make fun of him and then we just go back and forth, and it makes me feel better, and then he makes me run.”