Officer Tanius Scott- HPD
How long have you been a Huntsville City Police Officer?
Eight years in February. My stepfather was a police officer for HPD and my mom used to to tell me all the cool stories about his job. I love the idea of being a hero for somebody who needs me.
Have you missed a major holiday because of your job?
I worked 3rd shift for 7 years and missed a lot of events because I had to sleep or was too exhausted to attend family holidays. They always set a plate aside for me.
You have a 15 month old daughter. How do you plan to communicate your absence on holidays to her?
I hope she views me as a hero and I will explain that Daddy is keeping the city safe and we will celebrate when I get home.
What keeps you going during the holidays?
The plate that's waiting when I get home. It's a good feeling to be able to take my uniform off and just be with my family.
Bobbi Anderson, Janice Jackson-Huntsville International Airport TSA
What lead you to a career with TSA?
Bobbi: I came from 20 years of healthcare, but needed a change after covid.
Janice: My dad always pushed me to get a government job and this is a great environment with benefits.
What is it like to be working during the holidays?
Bobbi: My son is a firefighter and we always have scheduling hurdles. We usually just schedule afternoon festivities around our work schedules and it all works out.
Janice: I actually started working Thanksgiving week, and at first it's overwhelming because of the large volume of people, and Christmas is a whole new beast. We go nonstop. We get off at noon on Christmas and plan for the afternoon with family.
Is there anything that you do as a work family to celebrate?
Bobbi: We have a potluck and all get together which makes work feel festive.
Janice: We enjoy eating together. It makes the day go by faster when can enjoy each other.
What is one piece of advice you would give to travelers on holidays?
Bobbi: Don't wrap your gifts. We have to unwrap them and it's awful to have to tell a parent that you have to unwrap their gift in front of their child. Also please no snow globes.
Janice: Make sure you give yourself enough time to get through security.
Kimberly Williams- ER Nurse Athens Hospital
How long have you been in healthcare?
I became a nurse in 2016 and decided to pursue my career in the ER due to my passion to help others on their worst day.
What challenges do you face during the holidays? One of the major challenges is how extremely busy the ER can get. There is an increase in traffic accidents and accidents at home. Suicidal ideations become extremely prevalent. During our 12 hour shift, we bounce from patient to patient never knowing what will happen next. One minute we could be treating strep throat, and the next we could be telling someone that their loved one has passed. Afterwards, we have to leave all the different emotions at the hospital, put on a smile, and try to enjoy the holiday with our family. That is the biggest challenge.
How can families support their loved ones?
While I know I chose a profession that calls me to work regardless of what day it is, understanding from my family that my job is more than a “job”.
How do you balance time with your family while working during the holidays? If I am unable to make it to family functions, they always save me a plate for me. My step-dad is notorious for bringing treats for everyone. It serves as a reminder that we, too, need to be taken care of.
Yolanda - Home Depot
What do you love about Huntsville?
I was born in Selma, Alabama. My family and I moved to Huntsville before I started kindergarten. I love the hospitality of Huntsville.
What is your favorite part about your job during the holidays?
I love being able to go beyond just an everyday customer/employee interaction and help people with their projects, especially holiday decor projects!
What do you enjoy about working with people? My favorite part of working with people is getting to chat with them and (hopefully) seeing a different point of view.
What memory sticks out of helping a customer during the holidays? A while back, a young woman came in and she wasn't having the best day. We chatted for a few minutes. I was encouraged to always remember to do my best to acknowledge people, because you never know how someone else is feeling.
What do your holiday plans typically look like when you are off work?
Outside of work, I love to spend time with my family and my dog, Cocoa. I also love to watch documentaries and I love to write! About two years ago, I was blessed to publish my debut novel, "Fade", on Amazon.
"They just set a plate aside for me and welcome me when I'm able to make it. "
The event means the same no matter when it's scheduled, so we're just happy to spend time with family.
My step-dad is notorious for bringing treats for everyone to lighten the mood, and it serves as a reminder that we, too, need to be taken care of.
I was encouraged to always remember to do my best to acknowledge people, just because you never know how someone else is feeling.