Meet Kayla Lynn: 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.”

Kayla Lynn Smith, financial aid technician

• What do you do at HACC?
  I assist students with their financial aid needs and provide guidance to become and stay a successful student. In my personal time, I work with the students in the Art Department’s glass program. During my lunch hour and after work, you will often find me in the studio or classroom lending a hand.
   
• How old are your children?
  My daughter is 13 and my son is 9.
   
• How are you effectively juggling your professional duties and your personal duties of having your children at home while you work?
  Prior to working remotely, my husband and I sat our children down and explained that I would be working from home. We discussed our expectations and rules to follow during my work hours. For the most part, they’ve adhered to the rules we set.
   
• What tips (things to do and things to not do) would you offer to other parents who are struggling with this?
  I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping a schedule. I suggest using a weekly calendar to map out each day. Do this with your children so they have a better understanding of what is expected of them. This is extremely helpful now that both of my children are attending school remotely.
   
• Is there anything else you would like to share that we did not ask?
  Take time for yourself and breathe. Remember, this is all new, uncharted territory. We can only do the best we can, and we are all in this together. If you need help, reach out to your colleague, manager, family, friend and fellow students. Chances are they’re going through a similar situation.