Several staff members at Plainfield South have more than one full-time job: being a mother as well as a participant in the education of young minds. It is essential to appreciate those who balance their work along with their families. With these interviews, staff members are recognized not just for their work ethic, but as well as their dedication to their families.
JENNIFER CHESNA
Q: How many children do you have?
A: I have two sons. Asher will be seven in June, [and] Gabe just turned four in April.
Q: What is one memory that stands out about your children?
A: What stands out about my kiddos is that I am constantly amazed by who they are and what they can do. Kids learn and grow so much, and the time goes so fast. I hope that as a parent that I can help them be the best version of themselves, and remember that no matter what, their mom and dad love them and are there for them.
Q: What do you like about being a mom?
A: I like the idea that I am trying to raise my kids to be a part of the goodness in this world[,] and we get to do that through exploring the world and leading [them] with love and kindness as much as we can.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
A: It’s the hardest but most rewarding job I have ever done. Every day is a new chance to continue [trying] my best!
TARYN BLAZEK
Q: How many children do you have?
A: I have four children[;] two that I carried and two stepchildren.
Q: What is one memory that stands out about your children?
A: The day I met my two youngest for the first time after carrying them for nine months [was a moment] that [was] unlike anything else I have ever experienced. Seeing their little faces for the first time [was] pure joy.
Q: What do you like about being a mom?
A: I love being a mom because I get to watch these little humans discover everything for the first time; smiling, laughing, crawling, walking, and watching them learn and grow is a privilege unmatched by anything else.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
A: It is difficult being a working mom because you miss so many moments with your babies[,] especially when you are working a job that takes you away from home on evenings and weekends, but I love what I do and I love my babies, so it is worth the exhaustion and stress most days.
DENISE ALBRIGHT
Q: How many children do you have?
A: Three.
Q: What is one memory that stands out about your children?
A: I think most moms might say the day their child or children were born, such is the case for me. Each one of my kids have their own special “come into the world” stories about that day, too many to mention. It was fun for each of my children’s birthdays to order takeout from a local Italian restaurant down the street from the hospital after their delivery. We go to this restaurant [annually] on my anniversary.
Q: What do you like about being a mom?
A: There is little I can say that I do not like, but I must say [I like] building and sharing traditions. My favorite thing[,] though[,] has to be celebrating their victories and birthdays most of all. We have a tradition of decorating the kitchen and having a family breakfast when they wake up. I hope it is a tradition that they carry on. Birthdays are a big deal in my household.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
A: I think being a mom and teacher brings the characteristics of caring and nurturing into the classroom. The classroom should be a safe place. That is common with many teachers, but a mom wants their students to grow into caring and productive adults as if they were their own. I want both [my students and children] to do their best, always.
AMY BROWN
Q: How many children do you have?
A: Two[;] Vivian is 12 and Ben is nine.
Q: What is one memory that stands out about your children?
A: There are so many, but I think the ones that stand out the most are the fun trips we have taken. We have started some really meaningful traditions as a family and I think [they are] imporant to all of us. Our first trip to Disney World with both kids was something I will never forget. I can still see the look on my son’s face when he saw the castle for the first time. I am excited to carry on these traditions as they get older.
Q: What do you like about being a mom?
A: So much! I love celebrating their accomplishments [and] watching them [grow] into caring, empathetic people that I know will do good in the world. They make me very proud not just academically or in their athletics, but more because they are kind to others and always look out for their friends.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
A: I don’t think so! Maybe that it is tough to balance work and home life, but each of those things makes me a better person. I am a good mom because I have a fulfilling career and I want both of my kids to see the importance of that. However, going home to my kids at the end of a tough day sometimes makes things easier when work gets hard.
KIM SANKO
Q: How many children do you have?
A: I have four children. Three boys and one girl. [They are] all grown up.
Q: What is one memory that stands out about your children?
A: Enjoying crazy summer days with them [and] watching them participate in all their activities/sports and being that “proud Mom.”
Q: What do you like about being a mom?
A: The joy that my children have brought me surpasses anything I have experienced in life. I have enjoyed watching my children grow and now get to spend time with them as young adults. I am glad they still reach out when they need help or when they need advice or when they want to share something that has happened in their life. I just love being called “Mom.”
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
A: It has not always been easy but has been worth it!
