In July of 2015, first-year Simpson Elementary School Principal Jill Steele entered her 28^th year in the educational system. And she readily admitted that while every year is unique, last year’s was particularly unique.

 

While many may think it had to do with the fact Steele was starting that initial year as the top administrator at the Bridgeport elementary school, it proved to be only part of the equation. Steele went into the school year battling breast cancer after being diagnosed in June.

 

For those knowing Steele, they know the only thing that could possibly be higher than her energy level is her faith that powers her forward. It’s why she said last year that she “didn’t have time for cancer.” As it turned out, she didn’t really give cancer much time.

 

Sure, she had 12 chemo treatments. On Jan. 22 of this year, she finished the final of 33 radiation treatments. Here’s the real kicker; outside of missing the days for her chemo treatments or missing partial time for appointments, Jill Steele was at the school every single day – every moment for not only herself, but most importantly for her students, staff and the community.

 

This year, she doesn’t enter school battling cancer. This year, she enters school as a cancer survivor. It is what makes this year a whole new level of unique.

 

“I do see every year as unique, but after last year you feel as if you’re appointed for a special purpose to further your mission. Being a cancer survivor is unique in a wonderful way that’s changed my life,” she said. “Like nearly all change, I embrace it.”

 

Of course, Steele is happy to have cancer in the rear view mirror. She enters the 2016-17 school year and year number two at the Worthington Avenue facility in a better place on multiple fronts.

 

“First of all I’m coming in to a place where I’m comfortable with everyone, we have a positive atmosphere, and have built relationships with families, students and staff,” said Steele. “Last year I tried to take the school to the next level of excellence because I came into a good situation with Simpson being a success school already.

 

“The difference is that personally, I’m coming in with a clean bill of health,” she continued. “I’m also strong with my focus, and felt I had that last year, but I’ve got no distractions this year.”

 

Last year, many may have wondered how Steele could have stayed focused. After all, starting a job as a principal and going through rounds of chemotherapy and radiation don’t necessarily provide an individual a base for a strong state of mind.

 

Steele, for those that dealt with her last year (myself included), had that strong base. In fact, she said her bout with cancer has changed her in ways that are positive and made her base even stronger.

 

“I would have never dreamed that I would say this prior to having cancer because if I would have considered the thought of it there was no way I figured it could have turned into a blessing, but it did,” said Steele. “Thanks to my faith, it made me a stronger person.

 

“Cancer was a lesson for me as many know I dealt with it the same time my mother was going through it and that made it an emotional time for me. God, though, gave me an insight to see Him more clearly through the ordeal and it added a depth and power to my testimony that I otherwise would not have had,” she continued. “I think those that have been through a battle with cancer can relate to what I’m saying.”

 

Steele said cancer furthered her compassion for individuals as well. She said she realized all students, regardless of their background, likely have an area of need.

 

“This helped me tune in better to a student who may be battling an illness or that has a family member battling an illness. It heightened my awareness as far as knowing I need to assist even more in my role and that you have to be able to recognize a students’ needs,” she said.

 

Steele has a feeling that will be easier to do with cancer in the trash bin. Already wired in the aforementioned high energy manner, she now has a lot more room on the mental front to divert the bulk of her attention to the key areas she knows are most important.

 

“Physically, the difference is amazing. Metnally, I don’t have to give a thought to health issues this year. I know some people would think that you’re worried about cancer since my bout ended less than a year ago, but I give my worries to my faith,” said Steele. “I’ve given it to God. He’ll handle that. My mind is clear.”

 

With a clean bill of health and with a clear conscience, Steele is looking forward to another year of working with the students, families and community of Simpson Elementary.

 

“I’m so excited. I’m always ready for a break and always read to go back school,” said Steele. “I’m really excited to pour into these students even more.”

 

And that’s what makes Jill Steele unique.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Jill Steele in her Simpson Elementary office this past week, while she's shown with her husband Tom last year as she was going through chemotherapy last year.