Notre Dame holds a special place in the relationships of mothers and daughters. With the sense of community that comes together for various mother-daughter activities throughout the year, the bond between the two is unlike any other. Here at NDB, we have a mother-daughter duo who have been at the same school for the last four years.
In the language department, the teacher both Spanish I and II is Katherine Blanchard. While Blanchard has worked here for longer, her daughter Maggie came to NDB four years ago and is now a soon-to-be-graduated senior. Ms. Blanchard shared her experience, and what it is like working at the same school her daughter attends.
TC: What was your first reaction to finding out you would be working at the same school Maggie attends?
KB: When my daughter was first applying to high schools, I wanted to stay out of it and let her decide. But when she chose Notre Dame, I was really excited, not just because I would get to spend time with her but also because I thought it would be a good fit for her.
TC: What are some advantages to being here with her every day?
KB: There are a lot of advantages. It’s also nice to be able to see her periodically in the halls. And I also feel like I just know more about her and what is going on with her life. I know all of her teachers and how the school works for her better, so it’s nice. It’s kind of like we are living in the same world.
TC: How has your relationship changed?
KB: I just think it has really strengthened our relationship. We have so many similar experiences and know a lot about my life at work. It has just made us really close.
For Ms.Blachard, being at the same place almost every day for the past four years has helped build her and her daughters’ relationship. Her daughter, Margret Blanchard, shared her experience.
TC: How has the situation affected you and your mom’s relationship?
MB: I would say it has definitely positively affected our relationship. Spending a lot more time together like driving to school together, and seeing each other at school has been really fun. I think my friends have also been able to get closer with her which is nice because everyone always feels comfortable when they come over to our house.
TC: Do you feel a sense of added pressure since she works at NDB?
MB: I think behaviorally yes. Especially freshman year I felt like everyone was kind of watching me because everyone knew the situation. Things like following dress code rules I was very aware of. But academically, I don’t feel much pressure.
TC: Has it ever felt awkward or unforgettable with friends?
MB: I don’t think so. All my friends have always been so comfortable. There was one time when she chaperoned the freshman dance and that was definitely interesting. She is also chaperoning prom this year! But overall, it has always been really fun.
Going to the same school that a parent works at is not something lots of people get to experience. Coming from the Blanchard family, it seems like the opportunity only brought them closer together.
