“It freaked me out,” she said. “I went home and talked to my dad. He suggested I spend the summer teaching and apply to a less expensive law school in the future.”
She never filled out that final application for law school.
“I loved teaching,” she said. “I think it was the energy I got from the students, and everyday was different. I felt like I was giving so much to them, but getting as much back. By the end of the summer, it just felt so natural to pursue education.”
Alison Hildebrand, Wesley’s best friend since she was four years old, always admired her for her convictions and go-getter personality.
“Whenever she wanted to do something, she did it,” said Hildebrand. “She had her whole life planned out…and she always inspired people along the way, including me. A couple of days ago one of my friends asked me if I was surprised she was a principal at 36, and I had to tell them, ‘No, it doesn’t surprise me one bit.’”
Both of Wesley’s parents were principals, but she doesn’t think they pushed her into that career path.
“It’s a lot of hard work with little compensation,” said Pat Gasaway, Wesley’s mother. “But she just loved it. That was the end of law school.”
“They have always been really good about allowing me to lead my own path,” said Wesley.
Having two parents who were principals has helped Wesley on her road to where she is today.
“As a principal my parents knew what I was getting into,” said Wesley. “I have always looked to them as role models- they are very different, figuratively and literally black and white. I called them all of the time and ask them questions… I could trust them. Now, I’m at the point where I know which one to call because I know what their strengths are.”
Wesley isn’t new to the Redondo school district. She worked as assistant principal at Redondo for four years before becoming principal atAdams Middle School.
“I’ve been blessed to be in this district,” she said. “When I started as assistant principal I immediately fell in love with the district. There is an aspect of team work I hadn’t experienced previously. This district has the ability to be proactive as opposed to reactive which is exciting. You are encouraged to take risks. I am a very spontaneous person who likes to put ideas into action, and to have that support is amazing and encouraging. The staff is dedicated and passionate about their profession; it just felt natural to be here.”
“Wesley is an advocate for each and every student,” said Steven Keller, superintendent of school in RBUSD. “She is an excellent role model and continues to maintain solid staff relations. The staff loves her, parents love her and the kids think she’s cool. Plus she’s a closer, she gets things done.”
“The people that know me know I’m very accessible and hands-on,” said Wesley. “Being at Adams is an advantage, I know half of the students and they are already contacting me directly asking me questions. As principal at RBUHS I cannot respond as quickly as I was able to at a smaller middle school. Fortunately, I have a great support staff that can respond appropriately. I hope that when parents and students see me they will come and talk to me.”
At 36, Wesley has already accomplished a lot. With a doctorate from UCLA in educational leadership, the position of principal at the second largest high school campus on the west coast, and raising a 16-month-old daughter, she still finds time to go to cooking classes with her friends, spend time at the park with her daughter, and even schedule in appearances at various school functions.
Wesley is also an avid traveler and stays motivated by her travels by reminding herself how lucky people are to live in a country where education is valued.
“When I’m traveling I talk to young kids who are trying to sell me something and I ask them, ‘Do you go to school?’ I’m always reminded that in a lot of places kids don’t have the right to attend classes,” said Wesley. “They either have to pay for it or their family forces them to work to earn money. That’s often what keeps me grounded and calm, the constant reminder that I’m fortunate to work at such a great school district and on top of that, that education is such a privilege in our country. If we could get our students to see and appreciate it, I think that would help them make school a priority.”
“She is a life learner,” said Julianne Burke, a long time friend and teacher. “Whenever she comes back from a trip she always brings back ideas to share with her staff. She always has the kids in mind first and has an amazing ability to see all sides of a situation.”
Wesley’s ability to communicate her ideas and enthusiasm for education to the staff and students of Redondo Union High School may propel the campus to another level by keeping the students up-to-date with global changes and standards and encouraging all involved to make education a priority.
