Two weeks ago Smith Climo took up his “dream job” mentoring kids in the Boothbay region.

Climo was hired as the alternative education technician at Boothbay Region Elementary School and Boothbay Region High School, a position he said he is thrilled to start.

“This is a dream come true,” Climo said. “I'm dealing with humans that are engaged; and I’m finding the teachers here are pumped up, and they want to teach kids for all the right reasons.”

Known for his community involvement and his booming voice along the sidelines of sporting events, Climo said what's most important is being a positive role model and making a connection with children early on.

“The biggest thing is just taking the time to sit and listen with kids. I think a lot of times we fail to do that. If you can’t learn from a kid, then you’re not paying attention,” Climo said.

Over the years mentoring children with disabilities and behavior issues, Climo said he has noticed some inconsistencies that have altered the traditional nuclear family that affect the way a child relates to others. Climo said he wants to encourage positive growth, rather than just reprimand kids for what they've done wrong.

“(Grown-ups) start preaching at kids and tell them how to do things, but if we just take a moment and listen to them, you might find out a solution is right in front of you,” Climo said.

With over 30 years working in the field, Climo said there is still a lot to be learned from children.

“I’m still trying to figure out what I’m going to do when I grow up,” Climo said with a grin. “We’re all just trying to figure our way through this crazy world.”

Although Climo might be a familiar face around the region, in school he's “the new guy,” so most days he can be found hanging out in classrooms, taking walks outside and eating lunch in the cafeteria with the kids. By the end of the school year, Climo has one goal:

“I want the principals to look at me and say, ‘My school is a better place this year because you were here.’ If I do that, I’ll have a successful year.”