For five years, Catalina Hernandez has been a part of Selma High School’s staff as a lunch lady.
Her day starts at 7:30 a.m., when she arrives at work to provide the school’s breakfast. She then moves on to prepare the school’s lunch, and finally once the lunch is served, they get supper ready for the students before going home. Hernandez leaves work at 4:00 p.m., however, her day does not end there.
Once she’s home, she starts by cleaning her house and then cooks dinner. Occasionally, Hernandez will devote her time to the community.
“I visit the elderly and keep them company for a little while,“ Hernandez commented, “From time to time I’ll take them small flower arrangements or I’ll cook and take them food.”
Hernandez explained that when her kids lived at home with her, it was difficult for her to balance time between work, having to make food for her kids at home, and getting to spend time with them.
“Right now they are not [living] with me, but after work I used to come home and adjust my times to be able to prepare them food and during the weekends do laundry,” recalled Hernandez.
Hernandez, a hard-working single mother, has worked many jobs in order to ensure the best life for her children. She worked as a cook at a local restaurant and is a former field worker with a decade of experience. She admits that it was a laborious task.
“The work is very tough, it’s hard everywhere but in the fields you’re in the heat and in the cold,” illustrated Hernandez.
Her kids were always her priority, consequently, when she got her current job she felt very fortunate to be able to spend more time with her family.
“When you work at a restaurant, you’re there during the weekends and in the afternoons. [By working] here I have the opportunity to have spare time. Although I can no longer be with my kids, I can spend it with my grandchildren,” expressed Hernandez.
There were many hardships Hernandez had to face in order to be where she is now. Her children are exceptionally grateful for all of the sacrifices she made for them.
“I wanted something better for my kids. Now they tell me that as a result of my effort, they can also provide a better life for their kids,” commented Hernandez.
Hernandez has experienced the ups and downs of life, walking down many paths which have put her where she is today. Although the work has been arduous, it has all been in an effort to provide for her family and work for a better tomorrow.
