As the crosswalks of Coppell High School buzz with rushing students and vehicles, campus security attendant Neisha Hartfield directs students across the street with a bright smile, and bright pink boots.
With a simple “have a good day,” students take note of Hartfield’s unique fashion and friendly personality.
Hartfield is an expert in outgoing fashion and self expression. Right out of high school, Hartfield did not want to pay for college and student loans, so she focused on getting a cosmetology license and paid for schooling herself. Now, she runs her own hair and nail salon, trying to bring out the best in each of her clients.
“I love fashion because it’s a statement of who you are and how you feel,” Hartfield said. “I just love making people feel good when they look good, and beauty is not everything, but it’s within. So if I can bring it out and create that image for my clients, that makes me happy too.”
As Hartfield dresses as bright as her personality, students notice how Hartfield’s demeanor matches her vibrant outfits.
“I’ve seen her around the school and not just at a crosswalk,” sophomore Ayse Nart said. “I appreciate seeing somebody that looks a little different and actually dresses in an alternative way. It’s nice to see a pop of color.”
Hartfield began her journey as one of Coppell High School’s security attendants this school year. She ensures safety on campus by directing traffic every morning and afternoon. While on duty, Hartfield glows with empathy for every student she interacts with.
“Ya’ll have enough stress. I was once a teenager trying to learn the ways of adults, and as adults we still don’t have everything figured out,” Hartfield said. “So if a ‘hey, how’re you doing’ or ‘who did something to you,’ If that changes your day, then it does, and that makes me happy.”
CHS students recognize her upbeat attitude.
“I see her when I’m walking to the fieldhouse after my first period,” sophomore Macy Rogerson said. “She plays music by the door, she opens it for people, she says have a good day, she’s just full of fun things.”
Her actions create a sense of family among students.
“I see her reaching out and making connections with a lot of different kinds of learners in the building,” associate principal Colleen Lowry said. “She shows a genuine interest in them, whether it’s listening to them when they’re having some trouble or giving them some guidance.”
Hartfield makes sure she can do her job to her best ability while also remaining friendly. As buses arrive and students rush to get to school, being a security attendant requires persistence.
“It’s not an easy job and sometimes people aren’t necessarily nice and friendly to our security staff,” Lowry said. “But from what I’ve seen, she has always been positive.”
Hartfield’s education journey stems from an interest in crime and her desire to become a detective. Her passion for crime is an extension of her past experiences living in a less-privileged area and experiencing local violence as she grew up. There were many cases of domestic violence in families around her, and now Hartfield tries to give back to her neighbors in any ways possible.
“That’s what veered me over to education within the police department as well. I just want to give back anywhere I can,” Hartfield said.
Through her days at CHS, Hartfield is making lasting impact on the community. Whether it is through her effort to make students feel seen, or dressing vibrantly on campus, Hartfield does more at CHS than direct students and vehicles. She gives back through her actions and personality.
“I’m here, and my purpose is to help others,” Hartfield said. “One step at a time, one day at a time.”
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