LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Douglas Young has been a constant presence at Lubbock High School for more than two decades. As a teacher, coach and principal, he\u2019s shaped the lives of thousands of students. Now, after 40 years in education, he\u2019s stepping away.<\/p>\n
His path to the classroom wasn\u2019t always certain. Young initially pursued business, but a conversation with a former high school teacher changed everything.<\/p>\n
\u201cBusiness math I found out wasn\u2019t my cup of tea. I had a conversation with one of my former high school teachers and he said you\u2019ll be really good at this. So I think you should try it,\u201d Young said.<\/p>\n
That suggestion became a career. Young spent 22 years at Lubbock High, including 17 as principal. For him, the job was never just about managing a building, it was about prioritizing the people inside it.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving the opportunity to impact the lives of thousands of young people is not something you take lightly. It\u2019s something that\u2019s very very important,\u201d Young said.<\/p>\n
The students became his motivation, even years after they graduated. Former students still reach out to share how his influence changed their trajectory.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey pull out their phone to show me pictures of their spouse and children, say I was headed down a not so good path and you helped bring me back. This probably wouldn\u2019t of happened had it not been for you,\u201d Young said.<\/p>\n
Young requested a low-key departure. His staff had a better idea.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told my staff when they asked me if I wanted a retirement celebration, I said no I really don\u2019t think so. That shows you how well they listen to me as the time drew near but I\u2019m so happy they did that. It\u2019s just the out pour of love that meant so much to me,\u201d Young said.<\/p>\n
Retirement means swapping school calendars for travel plans. Young and his wife have been building a list of trips they\u2019ve put off for years, including a Mediterranean cruise.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the things we been talking about together all these bucket list things. Trips and things we want to so is possibly a Mediterranean cruise, I\u2019m a cruiser this will be my sixth cruise,\u201d Young said.<\/p>\n
After decades of guiding students through their lives, Young is finally taking time to enjoy his own.<\/p>\n
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