The front office door swings open as the phone rings nonstop, voices overlapping in the background. Students rush in, out of breath, while Janet Lopez hands over a visitor pass without missing a beat. Papers shuffle across her desk, and the buzz of conversation fills the room. From 8:00 a.m. to 3:21 p.m., the steady flow of people never stops.
Lopez’s job may seem simple from the outside, but her role is essential to keeping the school running smoothly. Lopez was hired in 2024 to take on the task as a bilingual receptionist, she manages constant interruptions, solves problems, and supports students, staff, and parents all at once. Her work highlights the often invisible labor that holds a school community together.
“There were days where it was almost as if I did nothing, but then I had those days where I was so frustrated with everything going on.,” Lopez said.
Comparing the assumptions of what people think Lopez does as a receptionist from what she said she does. Lopez is reminded she doesn’t only answer the phone but help other students and teachers.
(Sofi Melchor)
Through the stress of trying to help parents and guests Lopez tries to finish all her tasks but despite all the chaos amongst her she smiles as people step into the office. She greets each person who walks in with a smile attempting to be welcoming. She becomes close to students and builds relationships with them through the dutch bros coffees and the free periods.
“Janet is really nice every time I walk in she always greets me and sometimes asks me how my morning is. She smiles at me and it just shows how kind she is.,” Valentin Pulido,12, said.
Once the day ends Lopez has done multiple tasks like sent out information students may need for the day, helped parents despite the sassy replies on “how come I cant get an answer fast enough”, and made sure everyone who walks in and out gets properly checked. Helping coaches and teachers when they request for the gym or meeting rooms lopez makes it easier by filling out the request for for them. Apart from filling forms out she helps security when a students is out of class for too long or if they need help with any information.
“She is really good at emailing me back fast and its helpful when I can not go get the request form she gets it done for me,” Coach, Brian Gallo, said
