Within 5 minutes of interviewing Claire for our temporary employee spotlight, it became abundantly clear why our staff nominated her for this honor. Claire is a Caretaker for our Troy Medical branch, and everything she does, she does with passion and purpose. We are so lucky to have her on our team, and it was our privilege to sit down with Claire and get to know her beyond the workplace.
Q: Can you tell us about what you do for Entech, and how long you’ve been with us?
A: I have been working for Entech since March 2018. I am a Caretaker. I needed flexibility as a student, so Caretaking allows me that. I’ve been doing this work since I was 18 and I am about to turn 29. I am in school to be an RN, and as a front-line worker, I received tuition payment. I am also a mother.
Q: Wow, it sounds like you wear many hats. It has to be hard to balance all of that responsibility.
A: It is a lot, but I take it one day at a time. I’ve always been the kind of person that whatever I set my sights on, I go after it. I never wait for it to come to me, I go for it. I was living in Tennessee and was 6 months pregnant when I applied for this job, and I knew I would have to work as hard as I could before this baby came. It is hard work but what I love about this job is I get to help someone. I am great with the companionship people need and building a relationship. I provide the care they deserve, not simply the care they need to receive. It gives them a different outlook on life. It makes them want to live and feel that they belong on this earth. Coming from a culture where you live without, I know what it’s like to not have a meal, to not get the love you deserve. So I help prevent that mistreatment in others.
Q: You said you come from another culture. What culture is that?
A: I was born in Trinidad. I moved to Brooklyn, NY when I was 10. We grew up speaking Patois, and I still speak it with my family who live there. I try to see them as often as I can. A lot of people say I take so much time to travel, but that’s my way of treating myself. It’s my comfort.
Q: So you moved to the states when you were younger, then moved to Michigan, and now you work through us. What is your life like now outside of work?
A: I have a 3-year-old named JC and I am very involved in his life. I always take time to be with family and friends. My friends love my cooking, so I will cook for them a lot. I make mostly island dishes. Lots of soul food. I love to eat something good that feels good.
Q: Well it is clear you are an extraordinary person who has lived an extraordinary life, and the girls at Entech recognize that.
A: Entech has helped with anything I’ve needed. I can always call Kayla if I need something.
This job can be tough but I don’t give up on my clients. Everyone has their days. It isn’t personal. I show them I am strong and I’m built for this. So give me what you got! You gotta really come strong for me to tell the company I won’t work with you. I grew up thick-skinned. I’ve seen a lot and I will always continue to push myself.
Claire, we definitely see the fighter in you, and we appreciate the energy you’ve brought to your work.
