Conversations with her are not formal or stuffy, and it’s like having a casual conversation with your favorite tia. Petra “Petty” Medina is one of the custodians at Jimmy Carter Early College High school. The short-lived encounters in the hallway or cafeteria are an opportunity to listen to someone who makes the conversation interesting; it’s completely different when talking to her than with any other administrator or staff member.
Medina is interesting and funny without even knowing it. Her outgoing personality makes students and staff like her; her passion for the work she does is what makes her special. Medina employs your traditional South Texas mannerisms and character; she takes charge of the conversation and makes sure that you are having a good time and, above all, feel comfortable. It’s the same with her work.
Medina said that she is doing well this year, and she thanks God because she loves her work a lot. And that is why she tries to do it the best she can.
Although she loves her work, retiring is something Medina has thought about. “As long as I can still walk around and do things well, I will keep at it and dance because I love to go dancing,” Medina said.
For Medina, working at a school is like having access to being reenergized because young people give adults the energy to keep going, which is why she enjoys it.
“My worst experience was working with people that don’t understand the job, and they make you pass through rough times.”
Is complicated for Medina to work with a coworker that is problematic, and Petty is not at all about causing problems. It is hard for her to overcome these situations, but with patience and paying them no mind, Petty is able to remain calm and continue doing what she loves.
