No Warren Hills student can go long without encountering the exuberant energy of Bela Shah, library and media assistant.
Shah began her career at Warren Hills Regional High School as a substitute teacher in 2007.
“I loved substituting in the library,” she said. “The lure of books, the ability to support the students and be a part of the education process are the pros of this career.”
In 2011, Shah joined the staff as the library assistant under Library/Media Specialist Margaret Devine.
“My main tasks are to engage with students to help in the selection of books, checking them out, and organizing the shelves to keep the library looking inviting and interesting,” Shah said.
But life before Warren Hills is what shaped Shah’s love of reading and books. Growing up in India, “reading was a big part of my life.”
“I grew up before television was a part of my life in India,” Shah said. “For entertainment, we sisters listened to the radio, read, spent time doing our schoolwork and playing with friends.”
Like many children throughout the ages, Shah and her sisters relied on books to transport them to other worlds and take them on “physical and emotional journeys.”
“To achieve success in any field,” she said, “reading and comprehending plays a big part.”
As a library assistant, Shah strives to share this passion with her students.
“My favorite thing about my job is for the students to feel deeply about issues and ideas,” Shah said, “and letting their imaginations soar as they immerse themselves in the pages of a book.”
Shah moved to the United States in 1985. In India, she attended Sophia Polytechnic College in Mumbai, the country’s largest city. There, Shah received a diploma in textile design.
Upon moving to the United States, Shah attended West Virginia State University in Institute, WV, and received a degree in computer science.
This background in computer science has helped her in the library, as she produces her famous “READ” posters using Adobe Photoshop, featuring English teachers like Jesse O’Neill and Theresa Wilson, and students like 2023 graduate Julia Bisse and senior Tyrik Iman-Washington.
Besides the students, Shah says that Warren Hills staff is one of the best parts of her career.
“They care for each other and want the best for everyone,” she said.
She also appreciates the opportunities Warren Hills provides to its students.
“Students should take advantage of all the clubs and activities offered at the school to be part of the high school experience.”
Shah assists clubs like Students Against Vandalizing the Earth (SAVE), Human Rights, and the Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) when they host library showcases, directing the set-up of chairs and equipment.
For students hoping to follow a similar career path, Shah advises that “students engage themselves fully in the academic path they choose. They should have a love for engaging with students, being interested in their educational journey and supporting them to be successful.”
Shah works every day to facilitate a welcoming environment for students to learn and find passion in.
“No given day is the same, and it helps to keep the joy of working evergreen.”
