LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — For the last 17 years, Rousseau has held the title of principal and number one Tiger at Little Rock Central High School. It’s a title she doesn’t plan on giving up any time soon.
“What I always say is ‘heck I’ve been doing it for so long I get it now so why should I retire?”’ Rousseau said.
A fixture in the halls and classrooms at Central High, Rousseau said doesn't slow down when school gets out.
“I go to Eagle Scout inductions, I go to birthday parties when I’m invited," Rousseau said. "I go to all the school projects and plays. I love to go."
Rousseau has had an impact on hundreds of students over the years, some of whom have come back to work for her.
“Every time I go in her office I still feel like that 15-year-old sitting in her classroom and sometimes that moment hits me where I’m like, 'I’m working for my English teacher. I’m working for Mrs. Rousseau,'" Kim Williams said.
Once a student in her ninth-grade class English class, Kim Williams now works as a guidance counselor at Central High School. He was hired by Mrs. Rousseau.
“I was thrilled to death when he walked in for that job," Rousseau said. "No offense to other people who were applying but I knew that he was the one."
Rousseau said while the years may have passed since her first day on the job, her love for her career hasn't faded.
“I love what I do I get up every day. After all these years, I still love what I do every day, Rousseau said.
Rousseau said when she does decide to retire, she plans to find another job to stay active.