Meet Larissa!
We are so excited to share our dedicated staff with you this year! Our parent volunteers have interviewed staff members so we can learn a little more about who they are and what makes them so passionate about their jobs. Please help us celebrate our talented team!
In this interview, Wiley mom Traci Rowe speaks to Wiley’s cafeteria manager, Larissa.
Listen to the full interview here:
How long have you worked at Wiley?
6 years. 2 years as Assistant Manager and 4 years as Manager.
What brought you to Wiley Elementary?
I was working as a cashier at another school before this, so when this door opened, I went for it.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Seeing the kids, that is my favorite part. Because when they come through the line, they are more carefree and they get to show us their silly side and stuff like this, so I really enjoy that.
What do you wish people knew about your job that they might miss?
I wish people would know that we are more than just cafeteria people. For a lot of kids, we are like counselors. When they come in we get to ask them how they are doing and what is going on. Like, “You are so quiet today, what is going on?” And they are comfortable talking to us. So, we are more than just serving food.
And the food is actually good! We have vegetarian and healthy items and a lot of different things. The kids really like the snacks too.
Describe some interactions with students, teachers or staff that have been meaningful to you.
There are a lot of stories. I think with the kids, it is seeing them. For some of them, when I moved to Wiley, they were in kindergarten and now they are in 5th grade and I’m asking like, “What school are you going to next year?” and they let me know, “Oh, I want to go to this school…” and I think that is very nice.
And seeing the teachers. We have Ms. Abel, she is a first-grade teacher here and just seeing the way that she interacts with the kids, how genuine she is in showing she cared is just amazing. The whole cafeteria team just adore her.
What are some of your favorite foods, restaurants, or things to eat?
I just love food so… I like mostly seafood. I like Indian Food, Asian Food, I’m not big on meat, so anything seafood or vegetarian I am really into. I like to try different foods.
What are some of your favorite things to do for fun outside of work?
I love to travel. This summer I went to the Ivory Coast with my whole family. This is where I am from, so I took the kids back there. I like to try new places. I like to hike on the weekends, and I like to walk or go to the beach.
Who are the most important people in your life and why?
My kids, I have 4 kids, 2 girls and twins boys. They give me the will to keep pushing.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
That is a hard question. I thought a lot about it… where do I want to go? I think the Maldives, but then I love the mountains, so maybe Chile or some where in South America in the mountains.
Anything else you would like to share?
The whole team would like to say that we appreciate you guys. The PTA has been super awesome with us. I have been to other schools where the cafeteria team is not really included. So, we really want you guys to know that we appreciate you. You guys are amazing. I also want to say thank you to Ms. Cindy, my assistant and Mr. Jimmy who is like a star here in Wiley. The kids and a lot of parents just love him. I’m grateful for my Wiley family.