Wethersfield Hero, My Hero

Note from the Editor: This is the first in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at [email protected]. ​

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by: Krysta Szymecki

Pam Szymecki, a paraprofessional at Hanmer Elementary School, is going the extra mile to help students with learning obstacles during the pandemic.  She is making sure her students stay engaged and get all the help they need to flourish in these times.  

Mrs. Szymecki genuinely appreciates everyday she gets to spend with her students. “I am very lucky to not only enjoy what I do, but be able to see the first hand benefit from my students' successes.”  She is able to make students feel more comfortable and confident in themselves.

Growing up, Mrs. Szymecki always loved helping other people, from taking care of her brother to baking dinners for other people and many more ways.  So, it’s no surprise that she’s good at providing her students with the uttermost help and support they need this year.  

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Pam Szymecki also happens to be my mom, which may make me a little biased.  However, my mom has the biggest and warmest heart on this planet.  She is always the first person to help me when I need it and my biggest supporter. 

I can tell you truthfully that my mom pushes the people she cares about to their full potential.  I see the way she feels when she gets home from work and everyday she is happy that she got to help at least one person in any way.  

She treats her students like her own kids and is willing to help them in any way she can.  This year, with remote learning, I have seen her truly engage with her students.  From the beginning of quarantine until now, she has spent hours upon hours on her computer either with students or figuring out better ways to help them.  Even this summer, she spent time every week to read with a student of hers online, just to see them grow.

Even on hard days, she is sure to help others.  I’ve learned a lot from my mom, but the biggest impact she’s had on me aren’t from her words but her actions.  She truly shows everyday that she is there to encourage, support and love those around her.

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