Editor’s note: This story is part of the annual Mosaic Journalism Workshop for Bay Area high school students, a two-week intensive course in journalism. Students in the program report and photograph real stories under the guidance of professional journalists.

Prior to the rise of COVID-19, Joe Dazols Albers, principal of Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School, found himself at school every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. or even later.

Albers had been principal of Cristo Rey since its establishment in 2014. Almost every day he would come home after a long day of work and attempt to savor the small window of time he had left with his wife and kids, watching TV, helping with dinner, or being on his phone before doing it all over again the next morning.

Despite working extensive hours, Albers said he loved every second of it.

“It’s a fun job so I would love seeing students, would like joking around, like teaching, like playing dodgeball — I love my job,” he said.

But with his family in mind, Albers, 41, is stepping down to take on a new and less-demanding role with the school.

When the pandemic began, Albers was struggling with being away from the school community for so long. Albers thrived off interactions in the hallways, chats with students, and events like pingpong tournaments. When those things disappeared, he found himself working more on the less social parts of the job a lot more often.

Apart from the lack of interaction with students and staff however, the job itself became more demanding, and Albers was often making tough decisions for Cristo Rey.

“(With) COVID, you have decisions that no one’s happy with,” he said, for example, “when we come back to campus, do we know who’s able to come back to campus.”

“I’ve no regrets.’’ he added. “I feel like I really gave it my all and I feel very happy and proud of the work.”

Later in the year, Albers decided to change from principal of Cristo Rey to a lesser role as special projects manager, as well as supporting the principal transition. COVID-19 gave Albers the time to lighten his schedule and reflect on his top priorities. While the school was on top of his list, Albers said he felt it was time to focus on his kids.

“Being more present to family, you kind of realize, wow, my son’s 7 and in 11 years will be off to college and in seven years he’ll be in high school. I kind of only have this time right now to spend with them while they’re still kids,” he said.

He said his biggest motivation to become principal was to create a school where students wouldn’t be anonymous, as he said he felt during his high school years.

“My goal has always been to support the community and use the talents and skills I have to support the community.”

Albers hopes he has accomplished that and is leaving on a good note.

Today he is learning how to navigate life in his new role. As his calendar opens up and his weekly meetings drop from 25 to three, Albers is ready for change, and is ready to pass the torch for others to lead Cristo Rey.

“I gave what I had and there’s other people that are ready to take it on,” he said.

Daniela Bravo Berumen is a rising senior at Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School.