By Chris Kyne, Reporter
Starting any new job is a challenge, but when you are taking over for longtime Houghton Elementary School Administrative Secretary Renata Wiggins, that challenge is only intensified. When Wiggins retired at the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year, her departure left a sizable vacancy at Houghton School. The person charged with filling that vacancy is Tiffany Hernandez, who said she is fully aware she has some big shoes to fill.
“There is no doubt in my mind that she was amazing at her job and she is missed by so many,” Hernandez said. “I really have not had much secretarial experience and I have been trying to learn everything little by little. I must admit it has been a challenge and we all know Renata was a rock star, but everyone has been so patient. I can only hope that one day I will be able to be as impactful as the secretary before me.”
Hernandez said her experience working at Houghton has been excellent so far, despite the upheaval caused by the pandemic.
“I came into this position knowing how difficult it has been for everyone this year with the Coronavirus,” Hernandez said. “It was especially hard for the children, not being able to socialize personally with friends, with educators.”
Hernandez said the addition of students into the building has been a positive.
“Although it is always great to see smiles on kids faces, I have to say that being able to see how excited and relieved each child was to be able to walk through those Houghton doors for in-person learning was amazing,” Hernandez said. “Knowing how hard everyone worked to see that happen, I was just in awe. We definitely have great kids at Houghton and we have such a terrific group of educators and staff all working together to make each child feel welcome. I love it.”
Hernandez is a self-proclaimed jack of many trades. She comes to Houghton from a career in retail, previously working as a manager at both CVS and Walgreens. Hernandez also worked as a senior teller at Workers Credit Union, where said she truly enjoyed her time due to the sense of community with the members and the staff.
Hernandez said she was thrilled to be able to move into the school setting at Houghton.
“I am so happy that I found Houghton, I’ve only been here a few months and everyone has been so accepting and kind,” Hernandez said. “I am super grateful.”
Hernandez grew up in Brooklyn, New York where she said she attended a small elementary school which was very much like Houghton.
“Small school, big community,” Hernandez said. “As much as I loved growing up in New York, I knew that Massachusetts was the perfect place to raise my family and I have loved every second I’ve been here. Well worth the move.”
Hernandez currently lives in Gardner with her husband and four children, who she said she is seeing more of these days.
“I think my kids were most excited when they found out that I would work as a school secretary,” Hernandez said. “We are very much all about family and being able to spend those extra moments with my kids means the world to me. I’m a bit of a workaholic, so in retail I would be working 10, sometimes 15-hour days, especially as a manager. Being able to come home at night with no stress and make dinner and relax just feels right to me.”
Looking ahead, Hernandez said she hopes to make meaningful changes which will make Houghton an even better place to learn and work.
“I think change is a big word, and it is so scary to so many people,” Hernandez said. “The truth is that this school year has been nothing but change for so many, between remote learning, and social distancing, it’s been a whirlwind. I definitely do not want to change things for the sake of change. I want to get to know my surroundings, and be the best me that I can be.”
“I try to be understanding, encouraging, and above all optimistic,” Hernandez added. “There will always be hard days, but I believe it is how we approach those days that can really make a difference. Change is gradual but necessary and I am relieved to know that I will be a part of the Houghton Elementary family as it continues to grow and evolve.”
COURTESY: Tiffany Hernandez