The cafeteria staff plays a critical role on the school campus. They undertake the roles of serving-meals and ensuring that children eat nutritional foods. Providing guidance to students along with building empathy and emotional resilience. Their efforts—often gone unnoticed— lay strong foundations in the development of adolescents. Their work is irrefutably influential to the school’s atmosphere.
As a young girl, Carol Chavez grew up in a single parent household. Her upbringing led to her cultivating an appreciation for kindness. It gave her a better understanding of its importance and impact.
With a firm mother, the indispensable nature of respect was also infused onto her character. Her background now plays as guidance in her approach to success.
Chavez has devoted 25 years to Selma High, working as a lunch lady. She has been responsible for contributing support to the community all beyond just providing meals.
“My focus [in work] is to make and serve delicious meals to the students,” she said.
Her schedule is busy, as the Assistant Lead Operator. It involves the development of schedules and the ordering of products and deliveries. She additionally handles paperwork and helps supervise the staff. The labor extensivity touches on her off-campus life.
“I try very hard not to think of work when I’m at home but sometimes it’s very hard to do. There’s so much happening at work. We not only feed Selma High students. We also prepare meals for other schools as well.”
The sedulous workplace environment, she confessed, is a stark contrast to the life she leads outside the school ground.
“My life outside of work is very chill. My children are all grown up and it’s just me and my husband now at home.”
Chavez who pursued the career for the hours involved to live a life disconnected from work, remains impassioned with her profession. Before, it had allowed her the freedom of being at home to watch her children grow. Now it imbues her with contentment and meaning.
“I never thought I would still be here after 25 years,” she admits.
Students, she confesses, fortify her resolve and mark the experiences she deems most impactful. She finds it most rewarding.
“Seeing students grow up from freshman to senior year. And how [they] all evolve and transform into young adults,” said Chavez.
Moreover, Chavez reflected on how, “[watching their] personalities change and how respectful they become,” is all especially gratifying.
Amidst her commitments to work, Mrs. Chavez pursues varied hobbies. She leads a life busy at its core; designed by her values and purpose for devotion. She’s actively involved with familiar affairs. Finding the joy of quality time with friends and family. Her hobbies are as simple as off-duty shopping and weekend trips.
“Sometimes just a quiet weekend at home catching up on old TV shows is nice,” she adds.
Chavez values leadership, a skill well awarded by her efforts. As evidenced by the support she provides amongst her colleagues, she extends beyond her obligation.
“I have always tried to be a good leader and support my coworkers,” she expresses. “I’ve always been a person that people come to for advice.”
Chavez’s compassion and hardworking spirit, serve as symbols of kindness that enrich the community. Her character plays a critical role in attaining Selma High’s success.
“I want everyone to succeed and get the job done. After all, we have students to feed,” Chavez concluded.
Ultimately, a message she’d like to depart with, is one of gratitude for the students.
“[I] just want to say thank you to all the students that say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to us on a daily basis. You put a smile on all our faces with your kindness,” she said.
