Tucked inside Cardozo, across from the dean’s office, is a quiet, thoughtful room where healing begins for students. Many don’t know about this space, but it’s a place where students can hash out their problems, reflect on their struggles, and free themselves from negative thoughts. The person who brings this place to life is Ms. Shay, our school’s Restorative Justice Coordinator.
In her own words, Ms. Shay said restorative justice isn’t just a regulation or policy, but it’s more like an aspect of your life. It isn’t about implementing consequences and punishments on the person, but instead, it’s about helping the person heal and find a way to achieve a positive outlook on life.
On any regular school day, Ms. Shay helps mediate issues between students and helps resolve problems students face daily. “It’s me pouring into the students at Cardozo,” she said. “Offering encouragement, holding them accountable, speaking life and light into them.”
Her journey in education started as a one-on-one paraprofessional. It didn’t take long for her passion and aspiration to catch the eyes of Cardozo Assistant Principals Ms. Korotki and Ms. Millen. Both noticed her courageous ability to connect to a person no matter the race, gender, or religion, and to help inspire that person out of their problems.
“They told me I’d be of better service to all the students of Cardozo,” Ms. Shay recalled.
What dreams drove her to restorative justice? It was more on the personal and self-reflection side. “Black and brown students are often misunderstood,” she mentioned. “I’ve witnessed behaviors that stem from pain beyond the classroom. I wanted to be someone they could depend on, someone to show them kindness, patience, and love.”
Her philosophy is built on sympathetic emotions, open communication, and patience. “There are students dealing with things I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy,” Ms. Shay said. “Sometimes, the key to resolving conflict is asking, ‘What happened to you?’ instead of ‘What’s wrong with you?’”
Her goal is crystal clear, as well. She wants to be a mother, an auntie, and a person of truth and support for anyone who needs it. That has led to her making powerful attributions and decisions to the people around her.
Another aspect of her work is taking account of everything and making sure it’s constructed into her way of thinking. “I tell students forgiveness isn’t for the other person, it’s for them. Don’t let someone live in your head rent-free. Forgiveness protects your peace.”
Her former students thank her for the initiatives like the Princess Point Program, which helped young women be appreciated for kindness and academic growth. Ms. Shay is always making spaces available for her students to feel happy and relieved. “The look on her face when I crowned her… that moment will stay with me forever,” she said.
However, the work that Ms. Shay does is not free from obstacles and challenges. “Not everyone believes in restorative justice,” she admitted. “Shifting mindsets is hard, but I just roll with the punches.”
“I believe in the work I do, and I know it’s right,” she added. “So I let the haters hate, and I use it as fuel to level up.”
Once graduation hits for her students, the most achieving aspect of it is that students can feel safe to come back and talk to Ms. Shay, even after they have moved on from their years at Cardozo.
“The reward is in the laughter, the tears, the growth,” she said. “The reward is knowing I have their back, and they know it too.”
