Meet the Principal: Samia Hefferan

Meet the Principal is an occasional series by Catherine Edman introducing readers to the men and women who sit in the corner offices of schools across DuPage County. We hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we have.

Samia Hefferan, principal, G. Stanley Hall Elementary School, Glendale Heights, Marquardt Elementary District 15

Age: 40

Family: Husband, John. Mom, two sisters. I am a godmother for my "nephew" and the guardian for my "niece."

Grew up in: I spent my elementary school years in Gambier, Ohio, then lived in Cedar Falls, Iowa, for junior high and high school. I moved to the Chicago area to attend Northwestern for my undergraduate degree and never left.

Your ultimate pet? I am a cat lover. My husband has severe cat allergies, so I have cat stuff all around my house instead of having a real cat as a pet.

What is your educational philosophy in one sentence? We all can learn and should never stop learning.

Personal hero: My parents. Their commitment to family and their children is incredible.

How did you wind up in education? I've always known I wanted to work with children and be part of a team.

What is your dream vacation? Any place I haven't been that is outside of the United States, plus I'd love to go back to Paris, Ireland and Spain.

If you won the biggest lottery in history you would: Never do laundry again!

Favorite reality show? I don't really watch them. The only one I've seen is "The Biggest Loser."

Cubs or Sox? Always the Chicago team over anyone else. If it is between the Cubs and Sox, then Cubs.

If you could invite one literary character to dinner who you pick and why? Amelia Bedelia. It would definitely be entertaining.

Musical guilty pleasures? Live Celtic music outside in the summer heat.

Favorite childhood book? Amelia Bedelia

Bungee jumping, rappelling or parachuting? Parachuting

Most innovative program at school? I'm most proud of the individual plans we develop for our students who are struggling academically.

Latest new "it' word heard from a student? Sweeeet

Lasting impression you hope to leave? That I loved children and helped moved students forward in academics and citizenship.

What is the worst influence on today's youth? The decline in courtesy and civility in our culture.

If I could change one thing about the world it would be … to end all violence.

If I could paint my office any color it would be … purple.