From Janitor To Principal... Gabe Sonnier Teaches Us A Valuable Lesson: It's Not How You Start, It's How You Finish
February 10, 2014
From the janitor's closet to the principal's office! Over 30 years ago Gabe Sonnier was hired as the school's janitor. Now he is the proud Principal of Port Barre Elementary in Louisiana.
© CBS News
Mr. Sonnier's incredible journey from janitor to principal began in 1985 when then-Principal Westley Jones pulled him aside one day and said, "I'd rather see you grading papers than picking them up."
© CBS News
No one had ever believed in him that much, and Sonnier took it to heart. Whenever he wasn't cleaning classrooms, he was studying in them. He got his teaching degree and, shortly after, his first teaching job. Then came the Master's of Science and Education.
© CBS News
Mr. Sonnier can't even make a frown if he tries.
© CBS News
And despite all the degrees and the new job, Gabe Sonnier hasn't forgotten where he came from. He still cleans his own office.
© CBS News
"Don't let your situation that you're in now define what you're going to become later," Mr. Sonnier said. "I always tell them it's not where you start, it's how you finish."
Source: CBS News / © 2014 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Drive-Thru Safari Surprise: Woman Gets Up Close And Personal With Scottish Highland Cow
Son's Hilarious Obituary For His Father Goes Viral: A Final Tribute Full Of Laughs
Cookie Monster Caught Speeding: Traffic Camera Picture Has People In Stitches
What Foreigners Find Weird About America That Americans Don't Even Notice
Essential Life Skills Every College Student Should Master
How This Guy Gets Seniors Moving With Simple, Everyday Objects!
Drive-Thru Safari Surprise: Woman Gets Up Close And Personal With Scottish Highland Cow
Rat Going For Ride Won't Leave Car, Surprises Driver With Laugh Out Loud Moment
Mom Shares Her Son's Adorable First Date Moment
Man Smashes Window To Save Terrified Dog Trapped In Flood Waters
Young Dancer Stuns With Incredible 'Thriller' Dance Routine