Her Story
About Karen
Karen BridgesLyu serves as the principal of a Title I school in Sacramento, California. With over 20 years in education, she began her career after initially pursuing medical school but shifting focus to teaching science to support her family as a single mother. She earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and psychology from the University of Michigan, followed by a master's in medical technology and microbiology from Madonna University. She later obtained a master's in Educational Administration from Cal State LA and a master's in education from Columbia College in South Carolina. In her role, she starts each day by greeting students and ensuring the campus is ready for learning. BridgesLyu is a member of AXA and UPE and finds particular meaning in supporting the after-school program run by SAC Chinese, which provides homework help, activities, and relief for parents. She emphasizes giving grace to others and building relationships as key to success in education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karen
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I would say that the greatest piece of advice that I've received throughout my career is that You have to give everyone grace. Because you don't know what the other person has gone through, and when you give that person grace, and you give them time to actually talk about what has happened to them, it gives you a greater understanding of that person. And that's for parents, that's for students, that's for teachers.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
When you're coming into education, academia, one of the biggest things is to always realize that It's not just about the knowledge, but it's also about Being able to build those relationships. And when you first come into a classroom as a new teacher, you have to know who your students are. You have to understand where they're coming from, and once you're able to do that, it will help you mitigate a lot of problems and classroom management issues. And to really be real with your students, and to really let your students know what you're there for. You're there to help them, you're there to help them to learn, and to know that for you, that every student, every day. And that every student has an opportunity every day to learn. And that it's okay to not know it yet, but it's okay to understand that they're going to get there.
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