Most students at Selma High School are given the opportunity to have a meal at least four times a day. The first time would be before school around 7:30 a.m.., the second time being the 2nd chance breakfast at 10:35 a.m., the third time takes place during 12:45 p.m. at lunch, and the fourth and final time is after school at 3:25 pm. From thirty minutes before school starts to a little over the time students are released from school, 5 days a week, cafeteria workers at Selma High work to prepare meals that meet the school’s nutritional guidelines. One member of the kitchen staff, Maria Rodriguez, starts her day at 5:30 am.
Maria states her goal is to, “keep working hard to make sure every student has a school meal every day.”
Before working in her current position in management, Maria worked as a substitute in Selma High School’s Nutrition Department during December of 2008. However, when a permanent position at SHS arose during 2010, she seized the opportunity. From there, other opportunities presented themselves too, which eventually led to her taking her leadership position. On top of her normal position, some days Maria worked as a “ticket tucker” for athletics. Aside from Selma High, she also formerly worked in grapevine fields for three years, packing houses for six years, and Del Monte Foods for 12 years.
After work, Maria goes home to her family and makes dinner for her family. Her two kids, Jazmine and Jacob Rodriguiez, are both former Selma High School students. Jazmine graduated with the Class of 2015 while Jacob graduated with the Class of 2020. She also has a bunny named Gabbana.
Maria’s hobbies include going to the gym and being active. Around 7:30 pm, after cooking dinner, she gets ready to go to the gym and workout. Her favorite activity to do is practice yoga.
One of her favorite things about working at Selma High is the fast pace of her job. Her favorite meal at Selma High is salad.
“The day goes faster here at SHS,” said Maria.
Maria explains how much effort she puts into everything she does, especially when it comes to her job.
“In every job that I had, I put my best effort to learn everything and every day keeping a positive attitude and appreciating,” Maria mentioned..
Maria would like to express that she is very grateful for what she has today. Although she acknowledges every job is a challenge, she enjoys working with both the students and the staff.
In a few words Maria expresses, “I love my job.”
