Staff
Darla Crawford
Administrative assistant and assistant building manager at The Media School
Darla Crawford, administrative assistant and assistant building manager at The Media School
“I am from Newcastle, Indiana, which is about 45 minutes from downtown Indianapolis. I was the first one to ever leave in my family, so that was very hard. I’ve been here for 39 years. I’ve had two wonderful girls. I love my job, I love Bloomington, I love people.
I started in the LGBTQ+ Center. Then, I applied at Ernie Pyle and got that, and I have been with The Media School — it'll be 15 years in November. Meeting students, taking care of the students, taking care of the building. I love the faculty — I love the students. I love where I’m sitting (Franklin Hall’s front desk) because I get to bond with the students.
Over at Ernie Pyle, it wasn’t a big group of faculty and staff. When we came over here, it was a big change. I don’t do well with changes, but getting used to us coming together as one, it’s been challenging. But I can’t imagine not having the people that are here now with us. So, it’s been a wonderful, wonderful adventure.
The Media School has a lot of one-on-one with students, which I think is very important. We get to know our students, which is awesome because they’re with us for four or more years. We have wonderful faculty, and they really do take time for one-on-one with students. Where I’m sitting, I see a little bit of everything going around, and I know that that is very important to students.
I think when students come into IU or to The Media School, they need to feel secure. They need to feel like they know what’s going on. Or if they don’t, they know where to get help at. We have people that’ll help them. If they need something, and I’m not sure where it’s at, then I’m going to look for them.
I don’t want to be a grandma, but I want to be like the fun aunt. I’m the one who walks around the building every day — two or three times a day. You’d be surprised how many students sitting in the hallway need someone to talk to.
Take every opportunity you can. This is the time of your life. And I know it’s stressful — every day is stressful — but enjoy it. Get out there and get all you can, be active. Enjoy it.”
Written By McKenna Cardona
Photos By Michelle Rezsonya