On Friday, Apr 24, retired educator and current life coach Charleen “CSchwa” Schwartzman paid visit to Pascack Hills High School to give a meaningful assembly, one that many — including myself — never expected to impact the student body in the way it did. The former teacher has continued her passion of mentorship into a whole new field: life coaching — a profession that one may designate her calling.

Overview of the Assembly

In the first period of Friday, April 24, classes were called into the PHHS auditorium to have an assembly on “wellness.” For me, the term assembly, nor the broader subject of wellness, doesn’t represent what transpired. Rather, the student body was immersed in conversation between Schwartzman and her audience. Schwartzman prompted students to think about personal decisions in their lives and their love of what they do.

Schwartzman lectured and interacted with students regarding a variety of topics: passion, love, inspiration, stress, and contentment. Students were inspired to live life the way they chose to live it, not anyone else. 

The analogy of a song was given. Students were asked if there was a song to describe their lives, would it be theirs? Would the melody resonate with what they found content? Or, would it be the song that someone else wrote, but doesn’t completely have the right tone in your journey? 

Throughout the assembly, inspirational passages from novels were quoted and meditation was led. Upon leaving, each student’s countenance was seen lightened up. For me, I felt a sense of calmness but exuberance at the same time as I was questioned to ponder ideas I’ve never considered. Students, some of whom never knew Schwartzman, were seen embracing the life coach.

Into Schwartzman’s Unparalleled Life

Schwartzman, known affectionately as “CSchwa” by students and faculty, originally intended to go into the Air Force before making the ultimate decision to be a teacher. In the hallways of Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley, she found passion in working with each individual student. 

“Teaching has not been a career for me, it’s been a calling,” Schwartzman said when interviewed by a Pascack Hills student. She spent 29 years as an educator, appreciating the joy of watching adolescents grow into adulthood. 

Her inspiration to transition into the field of life coaching stemmed from her time as assistant principal during the COVID-19 pandemic. While she did not favor the administrative aspect of the job, Schwartzman enjoyed what she described as “fierce interactions” with children and parents of the district. Her love and inherent gift of personal communication gave her the motivation to pursue this new path for herself.

Additionally, the support of her late husband, Todd, provided Schwartzman the courage to pursue her calling. He was ultimately her first client — or, as he joked, her “guinea pig.” Schwartzman supported her husband through his courageous battle with stomach cancer until the end of his life.

Before passing, Todd Schwartzman noted the impact of her work: “[Charleen Schwartzman] has totally helped get me through my existential crisis with her depth, experience and unconditional love. I am truly lucky to experience her joyful approach each and every day.”

The Hills community remains grateful to have experienced a unique wellness approach to their daily lives through a familiar face. Students and faculty alike expressed excitement to support Schwartzman as she continues this next chapter of her career.