A day in the life of a school security guard

An arrives at Westlake Elementary before sunrise, jingling his keys as he unlocks the main gate. The cool morning air fills his lungs as he walks the perimeter, checking each entrance with practiced efficiency. He straightens his uniform and prepares his welcoming smile as the first school buses appear in the distance. 'Good morning, everyone!' An calls cheerfully as students begin streaming through the gates.

Throughout the morning, An patrols the hallways with attentive eyes, nodding respectfully to teachers rushing to class. He notices a small boy looking distressed near the cafeteria, frantically searching the ground. 'I lost my science project,' the boy explains with tears forming. An kneels down and helps search, eventually finding the paper model wedged under a bench.

After lunch, An walks the school grounds, checking that all exterior doors are secure. He spots a backpack abandoned by the basketball court and brings it to the lost and found. A sixth-grade girl approaches the office just as he arrives, relief washing over her face when she sees her missing bag. An smiles as she thanks him repeatedly before rushing off to her next class.

As the final bell rings, An takes his position by the main gate, watching students stream toward waiting buses and parents. He helps a kindergartner find her mother in the crowd of adults, gently guiding her with a protective hand. When the last student has departed, An makes one final sweep of the empty hallways. With satisfaction in his heart, he locks the gate behind him, another day of keeping everyone safe complete.