Ronald Jenkins, or “Banks” as he’s more commonly referred to by students, is Edina High School’s School Store Specialist, but his impact stretches beyond merchandise.
Zephyrus: What’s your typical day at EHS?
Ronald Jenkins: My typical day runs from about nine to one, where I’m positioned at the front of the athletic office and school store. During that time, I focus on creating and scheduling social media content, including posts and reels that highlight our programs and build engagement throughout the week. I also manage the school store by restocking inventory, maintaining organization, and ensuring the space is clean and presentable. In addition to that, I support the activities office with whatever is needed, whether that is helping with events, communication, or day-to-day operations.
Z.: What about your job surprised you?
R.J.: One of the biggest realizations I had after starting as the school store specialist was how unknown the store was to our community. I had countless conversations with people who didn’t know we had one, didn’t realize they could visit during school hours, and were genuinely surprised by the quality and variety of what we offer once they came in. That really opened my eyes to how important visibility and communication are. It all comes back to community engagement. If people don’t know what is available to them, they cannot connect to it. That realization has really driven how I approach both the store and our social media.
Z.: What have you learned from your job?
R.J.: One of the biggest things I’ve learned in this role is not to be afraid of being uncomfortable. I naturally have a laidback personality, so I’ve had to intentionally push myself to step outside of that and take initiative in new situations. Whether that is trying new ideas, putting myself out there, or taking on responsibilities I have not done before, I have learned that growth really happens when you lean into that discomfort. It has helped me become more confident, more proactive, and more willing to do whatever it takes to add value.
This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on April 9, 2026
