On Thursday, November 7th, Round Rock ISD held their annual, “Principal Today” program, in which community and business leaders serve as school principals, to better understand what is happening in their local schools. Canyon Vista’s Principal for the day was David Hansen, an education lawyer at Eichelbaum, Wardell, Hansen, Powell, & Mehl, PC.

Hansen has filled many roles throughout his life from being a dad, to being a journalist in the army, to practicing law at a firm in Austin. When asked how he got his start as a journalist in the army, Hansen said that like most 18-year-olds, he wanted to attend college, but needed money.

“Overall, my favorite job has been journalism. You always know what is going on, “ said Hansen. “You don’t have to learn things secondhand. I had complete control over the information.”

According to Hansen, journalism has its pros and cons. One of the many pros of journalism, he said, is that you really have to develop your listening skills. “Even as a lawyer, I use the skills that I have developed as a journalist everyday.” Hansen believes that the one con, if any, is the many deadlines in reporting. “Deadlines can be a hassle, but those due dates helped me stay organized.”

There are many people who have helped make Hansen the man he is today. “The most influential person in my life was probably my general, Robert Gaylord,” he said. Hansen states that Gaylord challenged him with tough projects and articles. “After I came out of the army, I was a better student. Gaylord changed the trajectory of my life.”

Throughout his entire journalism career, Hansen has learned that you have to be prepared for everything. “Take risks, develop your skills/creativity, and be prepared for the moment to present itself,” said Hansen. “Everything happens for your own success.”

“My favorite moment from my career was when I was 19 and was stationed in Panama. The fighting had just stopped and my fellow troops were here on an operation known as ‘Just Cause,’” said Hansen. “I was a low rank journalist with an incredible opportunity.” Hansen believes that journalism offers so many valuable opportunities. “You just have to be willing to grab them.”

Hansen shared that another memorable moment was in northern Iraq, when he was able to help refugees build homes and provide them with food. He states this was a life-changing experience for him.

Mr. Hansen would like to leave the student body with a piece of advice. “Choose what you want to do in life. Take every opportunity that comes to you, but remember that everything doesn’t come easily. Hard work truly does pay off.”