Working in the West High library is somewhat of a full-circle experience for Tina, as she used to be a student here, coming to the library while Ms. Hofmockel worked there. “I love working in libraries, and I love West, so it was super fun to come back here.”
Tina didn’t originally plan to become a librarian, instead going to school for art therapy at Adler University in Chicago. While she loved counseling, the idea of being a librarian had always lingered. “I kind of found my home in libraries.” After her realization, she began to study library science.
While Tina didn’t decide to pursue counseling, she tried to carry elements of what she learned during her studies into the library environment. One of her favorite things is when students get excited about things in the library.
“It’s really lovely to see kids get excited about things like different displays that we do. They’ll come in, and they’ll be like, just like looking for the stickers, and it’s so lovely to see reflections of you guys feeling represented.” she said.
Tina’s goals for the library include being an area for working and conversing with friends. She sympathizes with current high schoolers as she remembers her own high school experience. “Sometimes being in high school, being a teenager, being a human is so overwhelming.”
“I hope that I’m like a good balance between like, like firm and like reminding kids to go to class will also like creating a warm and friendly environment, that’s my ultimate goal is that the library is a safe and welcoming space to be in.” Tina said.
Tina’s job involves a lot of checking for holds, both for students at West and from other schools in the district, and letting students into study rooms when she opens the library in the morning.
Not only is Tina admired by the students she interacts with, but also by her coworkers. Mrs. Hofmockel appreciates the young energy that Miss Tina brings. “She is lovely to work with…She’s really conscientious. I appreciate that.” She adds, “she is closer in age to the students than I am…she brings a generational difference to our library team, which I think is important.”
Sara Siepker, one of Miss Tina’s co-secretaries, has given flattering praise to her coworker. “She is very fun and easy to talk to. She’s got a lot of really great book recommendations….” She adds, “I always feel like I have a lot to learn from her.”
One of the reasons why Tina loves books so much is the perspectives they can give. She describes revealing perspectives through a sweet analogy. “It’s a window into somebody else’s worlds, where you’re understanding and seeing maybe for the first time, like what their life is like, or a door that reflects your life. And so, you feel seen, and that’s what I love about it. “
