The phone rings, holding a question for the entire school. Who’s going to answer? The ringing abruptly stops within seconds.
“This is Torrey Pines High School … How can I help you?”
The rapid execution of answering phone calls, handling lines of paperwork and processing student work permits doesn’t happen by itself. Behind the scenes, there’s a woman hard at work, with the weight of the school’s students, staff and responsibilities in her hands.
Allyson Evers, one of the school’s newest staff additions, took up a job as the school’s receptionist this year, replacing Madison Caster. Excited to join the staff, Evers shares her experience of working at the school so far, and some of her future aspirations.
“I feel that making those connections with students and staff here has been very rewarding, and I love learning new things,” Evers said. “Helping out with tasks for the assistant principals or the principal’s office gives me the chance to grow in my role, and I’m excited to take on more responsibilities.”
Evers’ career began when she graduated high school from San Dieguito Academy, and entered the hospitality industry. After working in Hilton Hotels for more than 10 years, Evers decided to take a pivot to further her love for education, taking up the administrative job here on campus.
Currently a student at MiraCosta College, Evers is pursuing her associate’s degree in early childhood education.
“I plan to work in elementary or higher education in the program,” Evers said. “So you do need to start in preschool, learning how the brain develops, how motor skills are gained and taught, and so I’m starting there. It’s awesome.”
Like the busy schedules of high school students, Evers also juggles a variety of activities, such as her work at the school and attending night school.
“So my school-work balance … You know, it can be challenging, but there’s lots of hours in the day, so I do school at night and on the weekends, and I’m here during the day,” Evers said. “I also need to get observation hours for the degree program I’m in right now, so I leave here twice a week to a local preschool for observations for school.”
After spending time on campus, she is feeling more and more enthusiastic about being a teacher.
“After talking with teachers here, I’ve been swayed in that direction,” Evers said. “They make me feel that teaching could be a wonderful future path.”
In her free time, Evers finds herself utilizing her associate’s degree in IT services, playing around with different coding languages and enjoying the process of creating apps.
“I really just wanted to know why my computer does things the way it does, how it connects and talks to my printer,” Evers said. ”I rewired my mom’s house as a smart home.”
College was always filled with memorable activities, but Evers cherished her memories of coding the most.
“I just like to mess around playing, you know, coding with games and graphics,” Evers said. “When I was in school, we created a lot of games and apps, and most of them connected my hobbies with my passion for computers … I’m a big crocheter and knitter, so I created an app for my class that helped me know how much yarn I would need, and, you know, kind of figure out supplies that I would need. I like tools that make life easier for us.”
Evers is in the process of applying to finish her bachelor’s degree, and is extremely motivated by the culture and beauty of the school’s campus, students and staff.
“I think that we’re very lucky to have a great support staff here in admin, as well as the teachers,” Evers said. “Also, we have a great group of students, having over 2,600 students … I think that everyone’s very fortunate to have each other.”
In her free time, you can find Evers at Moonlight State Beach with her dog, soaking in the sun with a new book.
“I’m a true local … I love going to the beach and exploring,” Evers said. “We have so much to offer. Crocheting is also a big part of what I do. I’m working on some clothing right now.”
Evers has become a valuable addition to the campus in such a limited time, contributing to the focused and dedicated energy of the staff.
Tamara Rey, the administrative assistant to Principal Rob Coppo, shares her experience working alongside Evers.
“Ms. Evers is just an incredible addition to our administrative team,” Rey said. “It’s like she’s been here forever, and it can be a very challenging job sometimes, but she handles all of it professionally and with a lot of grace. She is amazing.”
