Sets of Four to Adore- Greenway Mothers and Daughters

Believe it or not, there are 4 mother/daughter duos working here at Greenway. Ms. Johnson (mother) and Ms. Valenzuela (daughter) both work in the office. Ms. Parrott (mother) works in the science department while Ms. Parrott (daughter)  works in the math department. Ms. Rearick (mother) works in the history department while Ms. Rearick (daughter) works in the science department. Ms. Apodaca (mother) works in the media center while Ms. MacDonald (daughter) works in the math department.

“I love working with my mom! It is so nice coming into work and seeing someone brighten up every time they see you clock in. Plus, we get to decorate each other’s offices for each other’s birthdays which is always fun! Also, when I want to talk about work, there is no backstory needed. She already knows who the people are, so we can get straight to the heart of the conversation. Oh! She also packs an extra lunch for me sometimes! It’s silly, but it’s another positive,” Ms. Valenzuela said. Teaching at the same school as your mother or daughter can give you a better teaching experience.

“Working with daughter makes me feel like the luckiest mom in the world. I have two children so seeing one of them on a daily basis is nothing I take for granted. Being an adult child working with your mother cannot be easy, but make it fun. Her stepfather also works here so we get to take staff pictures together and eat lunch together, enjoying assemblies is the best though,” Ms. Johnson said.

“Well, neither of us are teachers, but as far as my office work experience, I would say that there are definitely more pros than cons. Granted our relationship was always close as mother/daughter. I would say that when we ask for things from each other as far as work goes, it is definitely more casual. For example, if I’m having a rough day, I don’t have to put on my charming, professional voice. Haha,” Ms. Valenzuela said.

Working with your mother or daughter can make your day great, but how would working with your mother changed your perspective on working at a school?

“For me, it has entirely changed my perspective. She wears so, so many hats. Hats on top of hats on top of hats. Some examples are volunteering in our community, granting college funding to help our staff get their teaching degrees, and influencing our support staff to join our teachers’ union. That is only naming a few. I didn’t know so much went on behind the scenes of a high school. People like her make Greenway High School a place to cherish,” Ms. Valenzuela said.  “Honestly, it was both. I did go here. I graduated in 2008 which is SO long ago! I love Greenway and the good we do for the community, and I love my mom, so I had a lot of incentive to work here. I started as an aide in the classroom and worked my way to having my own office. I love working here and being able to see my mother every day.”

“I truly enjoy having my daughter work here at Greenway with me. Although I do not get to see her often at Greenway, I do enjoy seeing her in her chosen career,” Ms. Rearick (mother).

“I love having my mom here working with me. It’s amazing being able to share the same passion as her and be able to come to her for advice on campus,” Ms. Rearick (daughter) said.

“Every experience is better with my daughter around. So my teaching experience is better with her on campus. It is a unique and wonderful experience having my daughter as my co-worker. I am glad I get this opportunity to have this experience,” Ms. Rearick (mother) said.

“I didn’t get to choose which school I would work at, but I was extremely lucky in being chosen to work at Greenway since I graduated from here and always wanted to give back now as a teacher. I did not picture myself working at the same school I went to, but it was a turn of events I’m very grateful and excited for. Working with my mom didn’t change my perspective on being a teacher, I would say it emphasized my passion for the profession as I see her excitement with teaching and it inspires me,” Ms. Rearick (daughter).

“Working with my daughter has not changed my perspective on being a teacher. Being a teacher is a calling,” Ms. Rearick (mother) said.

“Yes, I love having my daughter here at Greenway. It’s great to have her here and getting to see her makes my work environment even better,” Ms. Parrott (mother) said.

“Yes, I like working with my mom at Greenway. It is nice to know that I have another support system and getting to see her helps me to have a better day,” Ms. Parrott (daughter) said. Do you think your daughter chose to work at Greenway because she went here or because you worked here?

“Even though we don’t live in the attendance boundary, my daughter chose to attend high school at Greenway because she knew how great the school was from my own experiences here. After college, she interviewed and was blessed with the opportunity to come back and teach at Greenway. She was so happy to come back to Greenway because it is a great school, and she wanted to give back to the community by teaching and coaching,” Ms. Parrott (mother) said.

“I chose to work at Greenway because I had a great experience as a student and athlete at Greenway, and I wanted to be able to give back to my school. When I was younger, I didn’t picture myself working at the same school as where I went to school because I was focused on other things. That option wasn’t on my mind until my junior year of high school when I committed to play college volleyball and started thinking about what my major would be. From there, I started thinking about where I would like to teach and coach, and Greenway felt like home,” Ms. Parrott (daughter) said.

“Working with my daughter makes teaching so much more fun and fulfilling. Having her around means we get to share laughs, tackle challenges together, and celebrate our wins. Her support and understanding add so much to each and every day!” Ms. Apodaca said. 

“Yes, I really enjoy having my mother working here with me. It’s great to have someone who knows me well and offers support. We even get to eat lunch together, which is a nice way to connect during the day and share our experiences. It makes the job more enjoyable and adds a special touch to my workday,” Ms. MacDonald said.

“Believe it or not, but I never imagined my girls being teachers, so my answer would have to be no. However, I always knew that whatever career choice shewould make, she would find a place where she would follow her passion and make a difference. Seeing her here now feels like a beautiful and heartwarming twist of fate. It’s truly a blessing to watch her give so much to Greenway. This full-circle moment is something I will treasure forever!” Ms. Apodaca said.

“Working with my mom feels great because I always have her support and encouragement. It’s comforting to know I have someone I trust at work, and it makes the job much more enjoyable,” Ms. MacDonald said.

“Working with my daughter has given me a deeper appreciation for the joy of sharing my profession with someone. Our time together shows me just how important connection and love are in this profession. Having her here with me fills my days with happiness and joy as we work together to make a difference in the lives of Greenway students,” said Ms. Apodaca.

“When I was younger, I didn’t necessarily picture myself working at the same school as my mom. I imagined myself exploring different paths and opportunities. However, coming back to Greenway has turned out to be a wonderful fit, allowing me to blend my interests,” said Ms. MacDonald.

“Working with my mom has changed my view on teaching. Her example, especially her dedication as the prom sponsor for three years and her efforts to make the media center a welcoming place for both teachers and students, shows how much she loves her job. She even provides movies and popcorn for students on Fridays out of her own pocket because she truly cares about the community. Her commitment highlights the impact one person can have on making a school a better place,” Ms. MacDonald said.

“Working with my daughter feels like the most wonderful gift. It’s incredibly special to see her doing what she loves and to share these moments with her. Whether we’re teaming up for school events or just chatting about our day, every second together is filled with so much love and pride. It’s like having a piece of my heart right here with me at work, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Ms. Apodaca said.