f you have ever happened to get to school very early you might feel like you are the only person in the building, but you would probably come across Munirol Islam walking the halls in a navy blue outfit with a walkie-talkie in hand.

His job as a maintenance employee includes being one of the first people in the building daily, unlocking doors and taking pride in ensuring everything is as it should be when students and teachers arrive for their school day. 

Islam, also known as Runo, has a job that allows him to have a much different perspective of our school than most students and teachers see. He also contributes his positive energy to the school’s culture. 

Between college and Clayton High School, Islam worked various jobs but has continued cultivating his passion for gardening, which he often did with his grandfather growing up.

Islam was born and raised in Bangladesh by his grandfather after losing his parents at an early age. At 21, he traveled alone to the United States, intending to study engineering and return to Bangladesh to build affordable housing. Eventually, Islam and his family were unable to continue funding his education and ended his studies.

Islam’s dedication is visible in many aspects of his life and was recently recognized at an all-district faculty meeting at the start of this school year.

“I was surprised. Yes, no doubt, I was not sure what to say because I can’t address the mass people. I did my best to be authentic because I had nothing else to say,” Islam said.

Although he can be shy and modest, Photojournalism teacher Scott Kreher appreciates Islam’s ability to make every interaction positive.

“It’s nice to work with someone who’s always positive because it makes you feel positive too,” Kreher said.” Anytime I see Runo, I’m always gonna be in a better mood because there’s some people who take away energy, and there’s some people that give energy. And he is definitely a giver.” 

The affection is mutual; one of Islam’s favorite parts of his job is the people he works with.

Islam believes one of the biggest misconceptions about his job is the joy it can bring.

“[I love] see[ing] that I’m helping someone and carrying my weight. Just [being] part of the system,” Islam said. 

According to Kreher, Islam takes on some of the heaviest lifting in the entire school.

“I do see him a lot for yearbook distribution. He helps bring in all the yearbooks, which is a really heavy, ridiculous task,” Kreher said.

Islam has learned that intelligence alone is not enough throughout his career. 

“Work ethic is everything to me. You could have a very sharp knife, but if you don’t use it, it’s worthless to me,” Islam said.

Islam was unsatisfied that he was unable to fulfill his American dream.

“I try to get it out through my son; I left it up to the next generation,” Islam said. “I must fail myself, so I try to use those experiences, and I put him through a grueling situation and told him that [he has] to be what I couldn’t.” 

Islam’s son attended an Ivy League school. 

“He [now]makes 10 times more than I do. The bottom line [is that] I try to transmit all my philosophy and way of life to him, and I’m very fortunate that he got it,” Islam said.

In addition to his son, Islam believes that every student has potential and hopes that they will also recognize the value of hard work and determination.

“Everyone is smart, everyone is brilliant, [and] could be contributing to society,” Islam said. 

“We hope to live, and we live to hope. We should be grateful that we are living and get the most out of it. That’s my motivation.”