When people imagine a school campus, their mind usually drifts to teachers. Then they think of students.
But in the midst of the ongoing math lessons, science experiments and the hustle and bustle, there are those who tend to fade into the background.
The campus does not clean itself, and a clean learning environment is a component of success.
Virginia Carcamo has been a custodian at Coppell High School Ninth Grade Campus for two years.
Since she was a child, she has loved cleaning. The satisfaction she receives from giving students a clean environment to learn in is her motivation.
She is at CHS9 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m, sometimes working overtime. Her presence is a staple for the campus.
“Everyone communicates with me and I always feel welcome,” said Carcamo through an interpreter.
Carcamo’s positive attitude towards her work and her ability to build relationships with students earns respect at the campus. She is always seen walking around the cafeteria, ensuring the students’ space is tidy. Her diligence encourages students to be proactive in keeping the campus clean as well.
As she is flitting from table to table, students hand her any trash or start cleaning up their space.
Custodial director Jazmin Carrizales notes there is a certain passion to do custodial work with as much determination as Carcamo.
“She is reliable and someone you can count on,” Carrizales said. “Anytime we call her for any accidents or anything of that nature, she’s on it.”
Freshman Ivan Shliakhtitsau notices Cacarmo during lunch, and is reminded of her when he sees the clean hallways at the campus. He acknowledges the hands-on work which comes with custodial work, and thinks students can make Cacarmo’s job easier.
“I feel very amazed by her work because doing that kind of job requires a lot of hands-on work,” Shliakhtitsau said.
With the students and staff, Carcamo feels like she has a community to rely on. Teachers are honest about how they want their classroom to be cleaned, and students make an effort to maintain the cleanliness.
“I really enjoy being with the teachers and students,” Carcamo said. “I really like the people I work with and that makes me want to be friendly and want to help.”
Carcamo’s presence at CHS9 is a given. Aside from familiarizing herself with students, she is on lunch duty and there during morning arrival. However, she does more than what is assigned to her.
She is able to respond to anything the school may need of her all day, everyday.
“She takes really good care of us,” CHS9 Principal Dr. Greg Axelson said. “She does it with a smile.”
Staff photographer Ayaan Salaar contributed to this story.
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