Doug Nehls, a retired aviation professional, has discovered his true calling as a lunch and recess associate at an elementary school. With a career spanning nearly five decades in aviation maintenance, Nehls now finds immense satisfaction in interacting with children. His role involves assisting students during lunch and playtime, offering them guidance and support. Despite the challenges of outdoor supervision in cold weather, Nehls cherishes every moment spent with the kids, emphasizing the importance of communication and kindness.
His journey began after retiring from a long career in aviation. The desire to remain engaged with young people led him to apply for the position at Grant Ragan Elementary. Over the past year and a half, Nehls has not only supported the students but also embarked on a personal learning journey by studying Spanish to better connect with non-English speaking children. He finds immense joy in listening to the children's stories and helping them navigate social interactions during recess.
Bridging Generations: A New Chapter in Retirement
After a lengthy career in aviation, Doug Nehls sought a new way to contribute to society. His decision to join the staff at an elementary school marked a significant shift from his previous professional life. This change allowed him to reconnect with his lifelong passion for working with children, something he had nurtured through years of coaching youth sports. Now, as a lunch and recess associate, Nehls feels more fulfilled than ever before.
Nehls' transition into this role was driven by a deep-seated need to stay connected with younger generations. Having spent much of his adult life around children—whether through family or coaching—he found that retirement left a void. When the opportunity arose to work at Grant Ragan Elementary, he jumped at the chance. Each day, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Nehls engages with students, ensuring they have a safe and enjoyable experience. He emphasizes that the most rewarding aspect of his job is the genuine connections he forms with the children. Whether it's helping open food containers or engaging in heartfelt conversations, Nehls finds immense value in being part of their daily lives. "The kids like to share their home life, holidays, and all sorts of things," he reflects. "I love sitting and talking to them, asking how their day is going."
Building Bonds Through Language and Play
One of the highlights of Nehls' role is the opportunity to learn alongside the students. Upon joining the school, he noticed many children spoke Spanish. Motivated by a desire to communicate more effectively, Nehls enrolled in Spanish classes. This initiative has not only enriched his interactions with bilingual students but also deepened his connection with them. "It's been great to be able to communicate with a kindergartner who initially only spoke Spanish," he notes. Learning a new language has become a fulfilling endeavor that enhances his ability to support the diverse student body.
While supervising recess can present its own set of challenges, particularly in colder weather, Nehls remains dedicated to providing a positive environment for the children. He often joins in their activities, pushing them on swings and encouraging physical movement to stay warm. However, the most challenging moments arise when students face social difficulties. "Sometimes a child will come up and say their friend doesn't want to play," Nehls explains. In such situations, he offers comforting advice, guiding the children to find alternative activities or companionship. "Recess is crucial for their social development," he emphasizes. "We're here to teach kindness and help them understand what truly matters." Every day, Nehls leaves the school with a heart full of gratitude and a smile, knowing that he has made a difference in the lives of these young students.