"Secretary"

BY ANTONELLA CONTRERAS

She’s been sitting in the same cubicle for five years. She’s been splitting herself into a million pieces for everyone. She was a secretary at her church conference building: “This is the next best thing I can get to support my family.”

I’m out of the house by 6:30. My kids are still sleeping. I want to be with them, but I need to work. Once I arrive, the smell of fresh paper hits me. My cubicle is in the corner. When I hear the first “Hello,” I turn my head. Oh, it's my boss. He asks, “Were you able to correct those papers I handed you yesterday?” I respond, “I had to clean the building last night, and I needed to take care of my kids.” He responds, “Make sure you get those done today.” All day, every day–it never ends. I need to feed my family and provide for my kids. If only I didn’t need to do this by myself. If only I had someone else to split the load. By now it’s 10:00 a.m. Every cubicle is filled. Phones are ringing, papers are being printed, and hands are typing. I’ve just finished correcting the papers; let me hand them in. “Hello, I’ve finished correcting the paperwork you asked me to correct.” My boss responds, “Perfect, don’t forget we have a meeting this morning with the church board this afternoon. And could you call the president to reschedule the meeting with him?” I sigh. “Yes.” I think to myself, I need the money; I have a family I need to provide for.