Josie Cosme and Michelle Serna

[00:01] JOSIE COSME: My name is Josie Cosme I am 47 years old. Today's date is November 28, 2022. I am at San Antonio, Texas. The name of my interview partner is Michelle. The relationship to partner is. She's my friend.

[00:19] MICHELLE SERNA: My name is Michelle Serna. I am 46 years old. Today is November 28, 2022. We are in San Antonio, Texas. The name of my interview partner is Miss Josie, and my relationship to her as my friend Josie. So tell me a little bit about how you ended up at the YWCA here in San Antonio.

[00:42] JOSIE COSME: The way I end up at the YWCA is I used to work at another facility as a daycare teacher. I was 20 at the time, and I also had a son, and I didn't want my son to be with me at my center, so I took him to the YWCA, and with there, I saw how my son was learning. How, you know, they helped me a lot. All these programs that they had, I got into. I needed to know how to, you know, help my son, you know, so they helped me. The program with it was for parents to teach me how to teach my son how to interact with my son, which ways and how to do it. So with that, I learned how to be able to, you know, help my son, because I was still young. My mom didn't teach me any of that stuff yet. But anyways, at the YWCA, that's how I learned to get there. So when I was working at the other center, I didn't like the way it was being run, so I end up. I asked the YWCA. Well, actually, they kept telling me, hey, miss Josie, do you want to come work with us? Do you want to come work with us? And I'm like, no, I already have a job. Thank you. Appreciate it. And then they kept telling me, they would tell me every time I would take my son in. Then finally, I just left where I was working at. I said, yes, you know what? Guess what? I'm ready. I'll work for you guys. I'll work here at the YWCA. So they said, yeah. So they got excited. They did the application, and I worked that same day, and I worked there for 17 years. And the only reason I love it, and I always said to myself, this is the place where I want to retire. This place. They taught me a lot. I've learned through a lot. They helped me in so many programs for me and my family. So I said, no, I have to come back. So the reason I left the YWCA was because I got in a relationship, and we were getting a house together, so what I was making wasn't enough. And then they also helped me with my education. I didn't know what to do with my education because my mom said it wasn't the first priority. It wasn't important. What was important for the family was to work. But with the why I didn't learn that. I mean, they helped me go through. Got in a program to get my CDA. You know, they bought my books. They ended up giving me a laptop. They helped me to get childcare for my son. It was cheaper for me. So I went to san antonio college. I went all. And then I got my cda, and then I got in another program at the y with our neighborhood place. They also helped me. They partnered with the y. Of course, they helped me to continue to go back to school. So I went back to san antonio college. I got my associates there, and then from there, I was. I got a little bit more money for that, so. But still, like, you know, this relationship that I got in, I know I had to help bills to help them pay with the bills, right? So I had to leave the y. I left the y for four years. I went to another early childcare, avance. I worked there for four years. And then, because the YWCA had called me back, and they said that they want me, they asked, hey, miss josie, do you want to come and work for us? And I'm like, well, I'm making here. This is what I'm making. And then she's like, well, okay, that this is what I would like. If I go back, this is what I would like, right? And she's like, well, I'll get back with you. So they called me that night, and they said that, yes, that they'll be able to give me what I had asked. So I gave my two weeks right away, because, I mean, like I said, I want to go back. You know, I wanted to go back, and I love it. I didn't want to leave it, but because of money, I needed more money, and I only had my associates, so that's why I chose to go to another center. So I'm back here at the y after four years, and hopefully I'll stay at the y. So I had another thing since now, you know, my relationship, and, you know, when it's not there no more, so I was like, like, I need to do something, right? Because now I have to pay bills. You know, everything went so much up. I could not. I still can't believe it, you know, I left. I left my relationship two months ago, and now it's like, wow, I have to pay bills. This apartment is just so much. So I needed to. My other focus was to, you know, get a second job, right? So then I was thinking about it, but then my son, you know, it's like, you know, so I was like, ugh. But there's another program that the YWCA has. It was called ready to work. And I'm like, oh, my God, this sounds interesting. You know, I can go to school, and I can stay at the y, only have one job, and get my bachelor's. So this is where I'm at. I would start school January 17, and I'm so excited for the y. And this is why I said I knew it was good. I knew it was too good for me to go back, because they're wonderful. They help us so much, and I just wish that they'll get more money, you know, to help the teachers, to give the teachers more money so we can last and stay there. So I love it. I love it so much.

[06:07] MICHELLE SERNA: That's awesome, josie, I just. I'm, like, in awe of you, because YWCA is all about women empowerment. Right. And your testimony right now just kind of highlights everything that the organization can do for women. So you've come up so far, and one of the things. So as a YWCA staff, when I came to the YWCA, one of the things that really drew me in was the staff's tenure. There's so many staff here that have been here for so many years, and everyone has their own story. Right. But you being able to share that with us is beautiful. You know, how it really helped you, how it empowered you, it gave you the confidence to continue your education, break down the barriers, right. That hold up so many women, you know, minorities, you know, as well. I think you just kind of knocked all of those barriers down to keep going. So I think it's beautiful.

[07:07] JOSIE COSME: Thank you.

[07:08] MICHELLE SERNA: I think it's awesome that you came back. It's like destiny, right?

[07:12] JOSIE COSME: Yes.

[07:14] MICHELLE SERNA: And they're continuing to help you. And the ready to work program, you know, it's a partnership with the city of San Antonio, and it's going to do some amazing things. It's opening so many doors for so many, you know, people in the community. I'm so happy that you're able to be one of those people.

[07:29] JOSIE COSME: Thank you. I appreciate it. And I also want my son. I have a 24 year old son. He still doesn't know what to do with his life. So I told him about this program, and I was like, they'll help you. They'll pay for you. They'll help you. They'll give you counseling. I was like, let's do it. So I'm pushing him there, you know, so he can be able to apply, too. And I also have my 18 year old son. He wants to go. He got a scholarship to go out of town, but I really don't want that for him. Cause he's only 18, and he's. I know he needs me. So I told him about this program, but he has to finish his school first in order. He's thinking about it. He's already gone to several universities so far. He likes Utsa Austin. But, you know, I tell him. I mean, which is good, but I tell him, the white can also help you with that, you know, so I won't. Cause I'm afraid that. What if I don't have that money to help him for the next tuition, the next semester, for books or you need extra stuff. And like I said, now it's like, I have an apartment. I was like, I have bills now. So it's like, I help you, you help me. So we'll get there. And I go, we'll get there. The white would help us. We'll get there. So he's excited. He's excited to finish school already so he can see what's going to come next.

[08:41] MICHELLE SERNA: That's awesome. You're an amazing mom.

[08:43] JOSIE COSME: Thank you.

[08:44] MICHELLE SERNA: To be there and to help your. Your boys out, and I'm sure that they see that, you know, growing up, you know, how you continue to fight and, you know, continue to grow. You never, you know, you never backed down, you never gave up. And here you are today, and I think that's awesome, you know, that you're able to still help your boys.

[09:04] JOSIE COSME: Thank you. That's what I want. I want the best for them. I want to tell them, like, no, my mom was wrong. Education is important. We need education. And he's like, well, grandma always said that, no, she just wanted us to work. And I go, no, mijo, we need to work. I mean, yeah, work, but for us to improve ourselves, to make more money, we need to have an education. It's very important.

[09:26] MICHELLE SERNA: It's hard, I think. Different generation, different times. Like you said, everything is going up, right? Groceries, gas, everything.

[09:34] JOSIE COSME: Yes.

[09:34] MICHELLE SERNA: Slow down. Things aren't the same as they used to be, you know, I think we all have, you know, family members, you know, with different beliefs, right? Generational beliefs. I know my grandparents were the same way. It was like, just work, work, work. But, yeah, I agree. Education is important to continue to grow. Aside from, yes, money is good.

[09:59] JOSIE COSME: Yes.

[10:00] MICHELLE SERNA: But also just to kind of keep. Keep learning, you know, you just don't want to kind of get, like, at that stalemate to where you're kind of just stuck and you're in a repetition all the time. So, yeah, I think it's important that, you know, you're communicating that with your boys.

[10:15] JOSIE COSME: Yes. And I'm excited that I'm finally gonna go to school, because to go to get your bachelor's, you have to pay. And I didn't want to do that because I know I wouldn't have the money, because I prefer to help my son, my 18 year old help him. But then since this opportunity came, I was like, oh, my God. Yes, God is good. I'm gonna do this. I'm gonna go back to school. The wife's gonna help me. They're gonna pay for my tuition, my books, everything that I need. So I was so excited.

[10:40] MICHELLE SERNA: That's awesome.

[10:41] JOSIE COSME: So exciting. Yeah.

[10:42] MICHELLE SERNA: Spoken like a true mom. You wanna put your. Your kids before you, and then, like you said, God made a way, and you're going through the ready to work program, and you're able to continue your education as well. So you're still, you know, leading by example with your boys. So I think that's good.

[10:58] JOSIE COSME: Thank you.

[10:59] MICHELLE SERNA: How exciting.

[11:00] JOSIE COSME: I am excited. I'm excited to just go to my first class.

[11:06] MICHELLE SERNA: That's awesome.

[11:07] JOSIE COSME: Thank you.

[11:26] MICHELLE SERNA: So, Miss Josie, I know as a teacher for the YWCA childcare, I know how important that is. I know we talked about at the height of COVID how the city of San Antonio shut down at the height of COVID And within a matter of days, it was quickly realized how important and how crucial quality childcare is so that essential workers, you know, were able to go back to work. So I know the YWCA reopened their doors. I want to say within three or four days. I know you were, you know, on the front lines of that. So I know being a teacher and a childcare teacher here in the state of San Antonio can be challenging. I know the pay isnt always that great. So I know furthering your education will help with that, right?

[12:14] JOSIE COSME: Yes, ma'am.

[12:15] MICHELLE SERNA: But I think, you know, I think folks out there need to know how important our childcare teachers are because they're also essential workers, right? Because if there's no quality childcare, then how are other workers gonna go to work?

[12:29] JOSIE COSME: Yes, ma'am.

[12:29] MICHELLE SERNA: And continue to serve the community. So do you want to talk a little bit about being on the front lines of all that? What that was for you?

[12:36] JOSIE COSME: It was a big challenge for us because it was like, it was so much that we had to learn as we having our kids, you know, all these procedures that we have to follow as well. Try to talk to her parents to let them. I know parents were afraid, too, because, you know, they can also get it there. You know, the COVID was just a big old thing for everybody. So we try to have the parents, you know, we're here, you know, we'll keep it. We'll do the procedure that we have to do, sanitize everything so they won't feel scared, like, oh, my, I don't want my child to get it. I don't, you know, bring it home and. Yeah, that was a lot of stuff. That was a lot that we had to take with our parents and also to, you know, make them feel that they will be saved with us and that if any symptoms, anything like that, you know, we'll let them know. But we're doing our best to open so they can be able to go back to work because we don't want them to lose their jobs either. So we open to be there for them and our, you know, the children.

[13:35] MICHELLE SERNA: That we care for and the kids continue to learn. I know, you know, watching the kids, you know, with their little mask and, you know, ensuring that, you know, the precautions were taken. I know there's a big old temperature check as soon as you walk in the front door. And I always saw the kiddos, they were all excited just to take their temperatures.

[13:57] JOSIE COSME: They were, say cheese. Yes.

[13:58] MICHELLE SERNA: Because it's like a big old camera in front. So I think that's so cute. But I think y'all still made it fun, you know, for the kids, even though, you know, it was a scary time, you know, for the parents and the kids, you know, they're little. They don't know, they don't understand what's going on. But I think, you know, as the teachers took all of the precautions, they were able to still make it fun for the kids. So it's important. I just. It takes a huge heart to do what you do.

[14:28] JOSIE COSME: Thank you. Yes. We just want to get them ready for school. You know, we don't want them when they start, you know, going to the big school. That's what we call it, the big school. We don't want them to be behind. We want them to know their basics. So that's why it's important for us to, you know, you know, have them with us, you know, teach them everything we need. So I don't want to be one of the kids I used when I started school. I went. When I was. I went to school when I started my first grade, I didn't even go to pre k or anything like that, so I was behind, so they flunked me, and I didn't want that to happen. So that's why it's important. That's why I love working with, you know, the three and the four year olds. I just want to get them ready for school. So it was really good that the parents also brought them, and we talked to them about it, how important it was. We don't want them to be behind. We want them to know all their basics so they can just keep going, growing from there.

[15:19] MICHELLE SERNA: That's awesome. So you have the three and four year olds?

[15:21] JOSIE COSME: Yes, I have the three and four year olds.

[15:23] MICHELLE SERNA: Such a fun age, right? Because they're like little sponges. Their brain absorbs everything.

[15:27] JOSIE COSME: Yes. That's the age group that I started when I went back to the y, but now I have the twos to three year olds. Oh, my God. And I love it. Yeah. So now it's like, it's a big difference. But, you know, I know they can do it, and they have. Last year, when I was there, they did. I had a great group, and I told the parents by the middle of the school year, I was like, you know what, mom? You know, she's ready. He's ready. He's ready to go to school. They're ready. My kids, I got. We got them ready. They were potty trained, and they know their basics, their first, their last name. They know how to write color, so ABCs. They would sing songs. So, yes, I got them ready for. For them to go back to school.

[16:06] MICHELLE SERNA: And you build some relationships with the parents.

[16:09] JOSIE COSME: Yes.

[16:10] MICHELLE SERNA: You all have that connection, and there's that trust.

[16:13] JOSIE COSME: Yes. Yes.

[16:15] MICHELLE SERNA: I think that's awesome when you're able to bring your kiddos somewhere and you know that they're in good hands because you feel like you know that person. I know my kids. When they were growing up, I was always so scared to. I was like, I don't know anybody. You know? Are they gonna take care of them the way I take care of them? But you're just like a mom. So you just. I mean, you are a mom, but you're like a mom to all of the kiddos that, you know, look after. So I think that's beautiful that you're able to have that relationship and have that trust with the parents. I think that's super important.

[16:50] JOSIE COSME: Yes, it is. And what they like is that they see it when they take their child home. They see how, you know, the fun, you know, they talked about us. They tell us, oh, no. And they said, excuse me. And the mom goes, oh, wow. My son said, excuse me. Excuse me. You know, that just them bringing that, I love it. It makes me feel good. It makes me feel good that we're doing our jobs. You know?

[17:12] MICHELLE SERNA: They're paying attention.

[17:13] JOSIE COSME: Yes. They're paying attention. That's right.

[17:15] MICHELLE SERNA: Yes. That's good. I love it.

[17:17] JOSIE COSME: Thank you.