By Jessica Defreitas
Evelyn Herbert, 62, of Richmond Hill is the administrative assistant at the Academy Charter Elementary School on Long Island.
Herbert, who is past her retirement age, believes that work stops when your ability to do so does.
The mother of three has five grandchildren, who she adores more than anything in the world.
As a principal’s assistant, her week is filled with developing relationships with the children at her school and keeping them in a nurtured environment.
“I take my administrative position seriously, but I also love to give counsel,” Herbert said.
When she is not taking care of office duties, she loves to listen to the students’ troubles and offer comfort.
She feels very happy that the students come to her when they need help.
Herbert believes that being among children every day is her calling.
She said, “Before working at the school, I never worked anywhere that felt like a family, and it makes me feel appreciated.”
Herbert thinks of her job as more of a life calling than a source of income.
She and her husband are the backbone of their family, according to her.
She insists on teaching her kids and grandkids to be grateful for the simple things in life.
When she is off from work, she loves to go for walks and go shopping.
Because of her passion for taking care of others, she hopes to see her kids and grandkids model that same behavior.
