back to web version
HACC's print sized logo

HACC Heroes

HACC Heroes Banner

 

These stories are part of our ongoing “HACC Heroes” series. We recognize the severity of the global coronavirus pandemic and its impact on our communities. During this challenging time, we want to thank and recognize HACC employees, students and others who are making a difference. The heroes featured below are our parents who are balancing work, raising their children and assisting in their child(ren)’s schooling. There are many additional HACC Heroes featured in our online newsroom. We are #HACCproud and grateful for all of our HACC Heroes!

 

Meet Jennie: School dean, mom of three children – 5, 7 and 10

“Every family needs to find what works best for them – there isn’t one ‘best’ way of navigating these times.”

Meet Karen: Assistant professor of communication, mom of a 6-year-old

“We need to be especially mindful of our little ones’ needs, as this situation can be stressful for them as well.”

Meet Holly: Fiscal support specialist, mom of two children, 5 and 16

“Take care of your mental health and well-being so you can continue thriving during these challenging times. You are a parent and you will survive!”

Meet Emily: Interim director, student success/virtual learning, mom of a 1-year-old

“It is okay to recognize and admit there are days or times when things do not go as planned, but there is always something positive to be taken from a situation or a stressful day and that is where I choose to direct my energy.”

Meet Shequetta: Administrative office technician, mom of a 4-month-old

“Prep the night before. For example, my baby is 4 months, so I have her bottles/food portioned and the diaper bag is packed as if she was still going to the sitter (extra outfit, bibs, diapers, wipes, etc.). This way I don’t have to run around the house for much of anything, it’s all right at my fingertips.”

Meet Kristin: Executive assistant to the president and secretary to the HACC Board of Trustees, mom of three daughters, ages 7, 9 and 10

“First and foremost, I have adopted the motto to not be hard on myself. If I have to hand my kids a device or sit them in front of the TV for an hour in order for me to be able to focus on work, I do it. That would be my number one tip.”

Meet Lori: Associate professor of management, mom of a son, 5

“Help, help, help your colleagues as much as you can! Whether it’s sharing a technical tip, covering a meeting or sending a kind note, we all have something to give.”

Meet Christina: Donor relations officer, mom of a daughter, 1

“If possible, I recommend setting up your work space to minimize distractions. For example, my work space at home is away from anything anyone in my family will need during the day.”

Meet Julie: Adjunct faculty, English as a Second Language, mom of three sons, ages 9, 7 and 5

“One technique that I have found helpful to juggle my professional duties and personal duties is to have a morning meeting with my kids where we develop a schedule for the day. The schedule is not set in stone, but it does give the kids, my husband who is working from home, and me some structure for the day.”

Meet Heather: Administrative office specialist in the School of Business, Technology and Industry, mom of three children, ages 5, 3 and 14 months

“Be sure to give yourself (and each other) some grace! These times are not normal and so we can’t expect our work lives to go on as normal just at home. Ask for flexibility, communicate your struggles and your triumphs.”

Meet David: Manager, network and data center operations, dad of two children, ages 8 and 11

“We have suggested to our kids to try and use the tech to make a movie or to build with Legos – things that require them to imagine and create.”

Meet Mandy: Director of enrollment services at the Harrisburg Campus, mom of three children, ages 24, 18 and 15

“Most importantly, I have learned to just breathe. It doesn’t have to always go according to plan to still work out perfectly fine.”

Meet Kayla: Financial aid technician, mom of two children, ages 9 and 13

“I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping a schedule. I suggest using a weekly calendar to map out each day.”

Meet Tara: Adjunct faculty, English, mom of two children, ages 5 and 7

“No one is giving out trophies for the kids with the least amount of screen time, and if that extra hour means you get a shower and a bit of quiet, it’s absolutely necessary.”