Akins High School Principal Brandi Hosack keeps photos of her son in her office, along with other memorabilia such as an Albert Einstein doll and a painting.[/caption]

Brandi Hosack said her path to becoming principal of Akins High School was like a “Cinderella story” because the path was one that she did not expect to take.

“I really thought I would end up in medical school, but I made a few decisions in college that did not lead me there,” Hosack said. “And I’m so glad because of where I am right now.”

Hosack graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and biology. As part of her graduate program at the university, Hosack was a student teacher at Akins.

Hosack became both a science teacher and softball coach, but she thought her career would be as a coach. Hosack then fell in love with teaching, she said.

“This school has raised me and has formed who I am as an educator. Being the principal of the school is an incredible way to give back.”

—Brandi Hosack, Akins High School principal

Leaving Akins after four years, Hosack worked as a teacher near San Antonio. A year later she returned to Akins and served as science department chairwoman, assistant principal, academy director, interim principal and principal. Hosack has been the Akins principal since April.

In total, Hosack has been at Akins in one capacity or another for 12 years.

As part of the administrative team, Hosack said the team’s job is to make sure the students are getting a good education in a safe setting. Hosack has made it a daily goal to visit at least one classroom, she said.

Hosack described herself as a “parent away from students’ parents,” adding that it is tough love at moments, but love nonetheless.

Hosack’s goal for the students is to ensure they are successful, she said.

“This school has raised me and has formed who I am as an educator,” Hosack said. “Being the principal of the school is an incredible way to give back.”