During summer and fall of 1997, 21 women rural principals in Nebraska and New Mexico were interviewed to highlight their positive experiences as principals. During the telephone interviews, which lasted 30-45 minutes, the principals were asked eight open-ended questions concerning: (1) how they got their first principalship; (2) why they were hired, what qualities got them the job; (3) what experiences prepared them for the principalship; (4) what they liked best about the job as principal; (5) what aspects of the job were most enjoyable; (6) what skills were important to the position as principal; (7) who they turned to with a problem; and (8) what support for their career was provided by family. Interview excerpts illustrating major themes comprise the bulk of this paper. The themes include the importance of leadership and people skills, love of watching children learn and grow, the positive influence of effective mentors, the value of support from superintendents, the fact that women have to work harder and be better at their jobs than men, and the importance of family support. Interview questions are appended. (TD)