Meet Malik Watkins!

As part of our ongoing series Meet Our GDS Faculty and Staff, we are excited to present: Meet Malik Watkins! 

Read the Q&A below to learn more about Malik, auxiliary program associate and substitute teacher.

What do you love about GDS?
How everyone is accepted and loved when they walk through the doors.

Why do you teach?
I love working with children and being able to create lasting bonds and relationships with them.

A favorite lesson to teach or favorite part of your job?
My favorite part about my job was working as a teaching assistant with Nichelle Dowell's Pre-K group last year. I fell in love with each and every student in that class.

Your teaching or work style in three words?
Dedicated. Hard-working. Exciting.

A top hope/wish for your students and/or colleagues?
Never forget.

Personal passions/hobbies/pastimes?

I just started tufting (making rugs) and I really love it.

Various favorites…?

My all-time favorite movie is the animated Hercules and a close runner-up is probably all the Marvel movies.

Family and/or pets?

My best friend in the world is named Mace. He is a pekingese puppy and probably my favorite moment ever with him was the very first day I got him and he would cry and whine if I took him off my lap. We've been hooked ever since.

One thing about yourself your students/colleagues/others probably don't know?

When I was in maybe 4th or 5th grade I had a lead role in my school's Christmas play as Papa Mouse telling my children a Christmas story. So I guess you can say I have a little acting in my blood.

One thing on your life "bucket list" you've already accomplished?
I've always wanted to go on a cruise, and I've been three times so far so I think I can definitely cross that one off.

One thing on your life “bucket list” you have yet to accomplish?
Visit Africa.

A special moment from your time at GDS?
This video is my absolute favorite moment at GDS. Last year working as a teaching assistant, my students loved having their stuffies. Throughout the year I wanted to make sure I left them with something so special that they would love it forever. So I decided to gift my entire class with stuffies and they were just so surprised and excited when they got them it brought a tear to my eye.

With a tip from Malik, we reached out to hear what a colleague had to say...
High School PE Chair and coach Jodi Jackson said, “The mention of Malik's name brings a smile to everyone's face. In his first year at GDS, Malik quickly developed a devoted following of students, faculty, and parents due to his magnetism, humor, and warmth. He has brought so much joy to so many of us. I can't wait to see what the next years bring.”

Years at GDS?
Two years down and several months into year three.