For the Staff Spotlight our class selected the Donnellys: Adam (math teacher) and Danielle (typist clerk) and came up with some questions and this is how they answered.
How did you meet?
Mrs. Donnelly: “Adam and I met when we were kids, although neither of us remember that far back. Our moms have been friends since their freshman year of high school and have stayed in contact with each other since. When Adam and I were in high school, we were reintroduced. I remember thinking Adam was very cute and had a great personality. Unfortunately, he didn’t notice me, […] I also realized that he was 2 years younger than me and at the time I thought that was a big age difference (as an adult I realized it’s not).” Mr. Donnelly: “13-year-old me was more interested in Magic the Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons to notice pretty girls taking interest in me. But she never acted on her interest because she and her friends realized I was two years younger and a freshman boy dating a junior girl was just way too scandalous.” Mrs. Donnelly: In 2018, our moms moved in with each other and we both ended up at our moms’ house for Mother’s Day. We reconnected and immediately hit it off. Adam’s most proud of having asked me out on a pun. He asked if I wanted to see the new Han Solo movie with him because going to the movies solo was no fun. The puns haven’t stopped since and don’t tell him, but I wouldn’t have it any other way despite my eyerolls.”
What is your favorite part of your job?
Mrs. Donnelly: “I love working with our students and their families. I really try to ensure that every student who leaves our attendance area has their questions answered and leaves with a smile on their face. I have the added benefit of working alongside our amazing admin, front office staff, and teachers. I couldn’t ask for a better work experience. It’s very easy to be passionate about my job when I work for such a fantastic school.”
Mr. Donnelly: “My two other jobs I had were either too crazy or too boring. Teaching is a nice balance between the two. I never feel like I’m doing nothing, and I enjoy making a difference and being present for my students. My greatest accomplishments in life come from when students tell me that I made a difference in their lives, whether or not that comes from arithmetic or being an adult they can count on.”
How is working while being pregnant?
Mrs. Donnelly: “My position is a very busy one on campus. During my first trimester I would come home and nap after I got off work. I was lucky enough to not experience too much morning sickness while at work and saved that for when I was at home. It was really easy to be at work during my second trimester. My energy level came back, and the only negative experience was bumping into things because I forgot my belly was bigger. Now that I’m in my third trimester, I’m a little more forgetful and a bit tired by the end of the day but nothing too severe. Writing sticky notes to myself throughout the day has been a life saver.”
How have you supported your wife while she is working while pregnant?
Mr. Donnelly: “I do my best to make her healthy lunches to take to work every day and try to check in on her when I can. I also try to be the irresponsible voice in her head whispering ‘Just take a day off to relax and put your feet up!’ She always ignores me though and makes the responsible choice.”
What is a struggle you two have working so close in proximity?
Mrs. Donnelly: “Considering we work in two different parts of the campus and in separate departments, we don’t see each other too often while at work. It’s only when Adam comes up to hand in attendance that I see him. Usually when he’s in the front office, he takes the opportunity to tease or flirt with me.”
Mr. Donnelly: “The struggle is not actually being that close to each other. We’re across campus so it actually is a bit of a hike if I want to go bother my wife at work.”
How do you think life will be once the baby comes?
Mrs. Donnelly: Definitely busier. I’m sure Claire will bring us a lot of love, joy, and baby giggles but also some sleepless nights, lots of diapers, and adjustments in our schedules. The only thing I’m truly nervous about is how our two cats are going to respond to our baby girl. I’m hoping they give her all the snuggles and love her as much as we do.
Mr. Donnelly: Plus one. (Math joke too forced?) I think life will be hectic. Less sleep than usual. But I know it’ll still be the same in the Donnelly household: full of laughs and love, even more so now once Claire joins us. We have a lot of people that already love our little girl and we have so much support behind us.