TASK ONE - WORKING 9 TO 5 🏫
What drew your character to this particular profession?
School has always been a safe space for Harper. Back in Chicago her only positive adult interactions happened with her teachers and school staff. It was a place where she could be herself and try to reclaim what it meant to be a child. School meant guaranteed lunches and all the books she could ever want to read. As she’s aged her love for school has only grown bigger. With that she realized that nothing would make her happier than to provide the same safety and security to students of her own.
How did your character land their position? Did someone help them get an interview or offer a recommendation?
Harper is very fortunate to have so many great fellow teachers in the community. She did student teaching with Rowan and has gone to Fiona and Sam several times for advice. All of them have been fantastic resources and offered recommendations while Harper was applying for jobs. She’s positive that they were a driving force in her landing this position.
Does your character have set hours? Do they have a flexible work schedule? Do they have to get up early or work late?
Harper’s schedule is set around the school day. With the bell ringing at exactly 8:00AM, Harper usually walks in the door each day by 7:00AM or earlier. Harper has never been much of a morning person so she wouldn’t say this is her favorite part about her job. One perk is the fact that she gets to enjoy the same break schedules are her students. No work during the summer? You won’t find her complaining even with the early mornings.
What challenges does your character face daily when it comes to their job? Are there drawbacks to their current position? Is there something in particular in which they’ve struggled?
As much as Harper loves her students there are days when they leave her absolutely exhausted. It’s on those days she realizes why so many teachers suffer from burnout at some time in their careers. Between the constant deadlines, nerve wracking layoffs and challenging days with students? It’s more than enough to leave her frazzled at times.
Are there perks to your character’s job?
The biggest perk is by far the breaks. Harper’s favorite perk is getting to retell all of the funny things her students say and hanging their art on her fridge. She also loves the fact that she gets to shop for school supplies every year and decorate her classroom.
How does your character celebrate job-related successes?
Usually with dinner out and a night dedicated to playing video games.
What’s your character’s favorite part of their work day?
Harper loves her lunch period. It gives her the opportunity to exchange stories with her coworkers or read with her meal.
Is your character good at what they do?
Harper is an excellent teacher. Her easygoing nature comes in handy when the day’s schedule gets thrown off. She’s fair and firm when she needs to be, but also has plenty of time dedicated to making her students laugh. The fact that she’s so passionate about what she does keeps her students engaged. Okay, most of the time. They are third graders after all.
Does your character enjoy the work they do, or is their job a way to make ends meet?
Harper absolutely loves her job and wouldn’t change it for anything.