The testing center is buzzing with excitement as students and staff members alike visit not to take a test, but to chat with new testing center clerk Nedra Walker. With her charismatic nature and bubbly personality, Walker has revived the testing center. 

Walker grew up in Maywood, Illinois. She left high school in her final year but completed her GED (General Education Development) in Chicago. Walker was a manager of a Taco Bell for 10 years, but felt like she needed a change of pace. 

Walker heard about a security job in Niles West and started working at D219 in Aug. 2024 as a security guard. After being encouraged by former Principal Jeremy Christian, she applied for the position of testing center clerk.  

Though Walker enjoys her work in the testing center, she does miss being able to talk more freely with other staff members and roaming the hallways. But, Walker felt like becoming the testing center clerk would give her more opportunities to get to know the school and its students. 

“I felt like it was a great opportunity for me to grow within the school district to learn different things instead of being a security guard,” Walker said. “This is something I don’t regret because the students that I see that come in the Testing center are basically the same students I’ve seen when I was doing security, so I get to still see them.”

Junior Antonia Matiz often visits Walker in the testing center and appreciates her willingness to lend a listening ear. 

“Ms. Walker is kind, patient and helpful because she explains things clearly and makes sure everyone understands the [test] material while also keeping the classroom organized and engaging,” Matiz said. “ I feel most comfortable talking to her and always trust her with any of my personal needs.” 

Walker is happy to be a support system for many students and remarks that many see her as an “Auntie” to seek advice from. 

“I feel like it’s best because the students trust me, the students like me,” Walker said. “So not only do they know me by Ms. Walker, a lot of the students call me Auntie..I just feel like getting to know the students is in the best interest for me, that way there’s a strong connection. That way the student is trusting me to provide them what they need, whether it’s a conversation, whether it’s me providing their test, or trying to answer a question that they may have.”

Senior Mahveen Khan reflects on how Ms. Walker’s influence has changed how she sees the testing center. 

“I’m not nervous about going to the testing center anymore because Ms. Walker has a really kind and warm vibe,” Khan said. “She makes the testing center a more welcoming place.” 

Walker plans to go back to school to pursue a degree in education. Before becoming a staff member at Niles West, Walker never thought about becoming a teacher, but after seeing the influence being the testing center clerk has had on students around her, she began considering it. 

Outside of school, Walker enjoys spending time with her family, cooking or just enjoying a comfy night in.