Q&A with Sarah Cox: ‘I just love what I do’

In her 38th year, second grade teacher Sarah Cox is the longest tenured teacher at Holland Hall. She also was the head cheer coach for 10 years and now is the assistant coach to her daughter, Camryn Winters. Her granddaughters, Krosby and Stevie, are Holland Hall students. Sarah is a Holland Hall treasure. She is funny, loud, committed, opinionated, caring, and a relationship-builder.

In this new and reoccurring Dutch Weekly feature, we’ll highlight a member of our amazing Holland Hall community. Today, get to know the illustrious Sarah Cox.

What’s kept you at Holland Hall for almost 40 years?

The relationships, the students, the families, my team members, my colleagues and Dr. Vanessa Jones. I love making connections with students and staying connected with them until they graduate. I am proud of the relationships I build with families.

‍Do you think about retirement?

I do think about it, but nope, I don’t have plans to retire. I just love what I do. I love my team. I love Dr. Jones. People always say if you retire you can spend time with your grandchildren. Well, they are here at school and I’m here. I see them every day. I have a friend who told me you’ll know when you’re ready to retire. She taught until she was 73. She said you’ll get to a point where you don’t want to think about next year’s class, and I’m not there yet.

Best advice you’ve ever been given?

From my dad: If you’re on time, you’re late.

What’s your advice for young teachers?

If you don’t love teaching, don’t do it.

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you do?

Flight attendant. I went through the initial screening process, but when they assigned me to Buffalo, N.Y., for training, I reconsidered. My mom was not happy that I went into education. She wanted the free flights.

Most proud life accomplishment?

My family. Been married to Mike for 46 years. We met at Oklahoma State, but didn’t date until a few years later. Our first date was at Cain’s Ballroom. Our two daughters are Kendall and Camryn and my pride and joy are my two granddaughters: Krosby and Stevie.

Biggest regret?

I really don’t have any. When you get to be my age, you really can’t worry about that. I just try to look at things in a way that you don’t look back. My daddy was like, you can’t change what happened, but you can change tomorrow. This here is tomorrow.

Favorite hobby?

Spending time with my granddaughters. Watching Dutch athletics. Watching all college sports, the Dallas Cowboys and reading. I love the sun. I love the beach. I just love Florida. One of the reasons I went into teaching, I wanted summers off.

Favorite movie?

Tombstone, Toy Story, Pretty Woman and Moana

Favorite meal?

The Grilled Salmon at White River Fish Market