SEAHO Report - Fall 2021 - 25

FEATURE ARTICLES
I am fortunate that I have team members who respect me and my family. I am also honored that I have been
able to prove to them that being a wife and a parent is not a weakness or burden to being a team player and
professional. There are times when I am exhausted, trying to be everything for everyone, but I am open about
when I need to take some days just to prevent unhealthy resentment and/or burn out.
For five years now, I have been honored to have a system that works beautifully when serving on call. The reason
this system works is because I have found confidence in advocating for my needs, while still being a present help
and support to my teammates, institution, department, and community.
One of the popular fears I've heard each time I've gone through pregnancy as a live-in staff member is the fear
that you can no longer commit to the job, because it is so unpredictable and it will get in the way of you being a
good parent.
Serving on call has also encouraged my partner and I to mindfully center quality time with one another. We
make sure when the little ones are down, we check in on each other. We talk, we play some of our favorite
games, watch over favorite shows or games, eat our favorite treats, etc. My goal is to never 'other' my significant
other, so to make sure he doesn't feel or experience that again, we stick to what we do when I'm not serving on
call, no excuses.
It is critical to normalize conversations about your family and their needs too; especially if their wellbeing
impacts how you show up at work. When your supervisor is aware of how everyone is faring, everyone is always
considered when you are going through serving on call and anticipating the unanticipated.
Serving on call is mostly what you make of it, so always have a plan and communicate that plan while assuring
your family and your team that they will get the best you have to offer. Always listen to them and ask them what
their expectations are and/or concerns, so everyone can be considered in case there are ever any reservations
that need to be cleared up. Follow through and if/when you can, lean on a team member when you can, and be
willing to give and take to ensure everyone's success and feeling of being valued and respected. "
Tip: maximize weekly 1:1s with your supervisor and those you supervise to make sure they know you value your
family and your position and responsibilities to them and the department.
Deanna C. Hughes
Residence Hall Manager/ Mother of Three
Florida State University
" The Big Return "
" As you're preparing for the arrival of your baby and are thinking through how much time to take off, I
encourage you to unapologetically take as much time as you are able. For me, that was 12 weeks and it felt like
just the right amount of time for me. Taking this time off is not only a benefit for you and your baby to bond but
also for you to take a well-deserved mental break from work. This does not go without concerns. I personally
was worried about being able to afford taking that amount of time off. Additionally, I had anxiety about catching
up on everything I would miss and how I'd balance returning to work with a child. "
Kimberly Bradley
Assistant Director of Residence Life/ Mother of One
Virginia Commonwealth University
" I made the decision to pump with both of my children. As such, establishing boundaries is so important for
both your supply and your health (hello clogged ducts!) Put that time on your calendar and treat it like you would
any other meeting. And don't let folks push you into virtual meetings while you pump.
With my second birth (Josie, December 2020), I took eight weeks off work. My direct reports were so amazing
during this time. They protected my time away and ensured that I had time to heal, " rest " , and bond with Josie.
This was able to happen because we talked tirelessly about responsibilities, and who would take on what as I
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SEAHO Report - Fall 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SEAHO Report - Fall 2021