Mothers dedicate their lives to raising the children of this world, yet this role is but one in the lives of these women. They are educators, they are citizens, and they are heroes. At UC High, we have many amazing working mothers with a variety of experiences and wisdom worth highlighting.
Mother’s Day is a time when we recognize and appreciate mothers and the inspiring women in our lives. Mothers celebrate their special day in a multitude of ways depending on their preferences and enjoyment. School Connections Specialist and Restorative Justice Coordinator Tina Medina said, “[On Mothers Day] I always want to go out into nature and go for a hike, get rid of all the distractions, and just be with my kids. I also honor my own mom and all the amazing women in my life.” ASB Advisor Samantha Cruz said, “I am Chicana, so I get two Mothers’ Days; I get Mexican Mothers’ Day, and then American Mothers’ Day. I like to be taken out to breakfast and a little thing that we have been doing every year now since my daughter was born is going to the zoo and then for me to be left alone for a little bit.”
There are a plethora of unfair expectations put on working mothers, Cruz said, “…ironically enough, even being within the education system where we work with kids. Luckily at UC, we are very fortunate with the administration that we have but if you aren’t able to make it to work because your kid is sick, I mean what can you do? You have to stay home with your child. I think [people] do not understand that we have lives outside of our jobs and that our jobs are not our lives. We are expected to do everything. And [we are] not given grace when we can’t.”
Every person’s situation is different and complex and so are their support systems. Medina said, “Honestly, I couldn’t have done it if I didn’t have such amazing support from my family. I’m a single mom, which also gives it an added layer of complication, but I’m lucky enough to have my mom and her partner right next door and so they help out a lot, with rides especially.” Cruz said, “Well, I have a wonderful husband who obviously does his fair share and I think it is just communicating and making sure that my daughter’s needs are met first.” Math Teacher Ana Kuburovich said, “I think we always know that ultimately it has to be what is best for our family, trying to do one thing at a time, and trying to balance work and home.”
These women have found a variety of ways of uplifting each other. “There are times when my sister and I get on the phone and just share how incredible or overwhelming our day was,” Kuburovich said. Cruz said, “Working mothers, we are kind of our own little niche group because only we understand what each other is going through. And then, even more so, educators who are working mothers. It’s a support system, a club.” Medina said, “Don’t ever think that you can or have to do it alone. Pour into them as much as they’re pouring into you.”
With all of this hard work, mothers gain powerful skills that make them incredibly resilient. Cruz said, “It’s just this inherent primal instinct to take care of your kids and so a lot of times we have to sacrifice our personal interests and wants and needs for the betterment of our kids.” Kuburovich said, “There are days when it is easier to balance and there are days when it’s not and you accept your shortcomings and the following day you say, ‘I’m going to do better.'” Medina said, “For me, I’m the breadwinner at home so all the decision making, finances, and budgeting falls on me. For working moms, there is this idea that you can just take it all and do it all.”
These inspiring and powerful women have some insightful advice for working mothers and those who may in the future partake in this role. Kuburovich said, “Take it one day at a time, one moment at a time. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to admit that you can’t do all of it, and it’s okay not to have everything figured out in an instant. Cruz said, “Make sure you are ready to be a mom. Don’t be pressured by societal expectations to be a mother. Make time for yourself. You have to make time for yourself, otherwise you are not going to be your best individual or mom. Do something fun for yourself. The kids are going to be okay. Go take a shower; they’ll be fine. Moms are the best.”