Meet Ann and Sydney C., a mother–daughter duo doing their part for the mission.
Working at Y-12 doesn’t come with an all-inclusive manual, but for one Y-12er, the job came with her mother to guide her, leading to an ease of communication based on a common bond.
“I started my first day at Y-12 a lot more comfortable than most Y-12ers,” Sydney said. “My mom had taken the time to drive me by New Hope, so I knew exactly where I was going, where to park, and what to expect. My mom knows everything, so even as an employee, I often find myself turning to her to answer questions or provide clarity.”
Sydney is a laboratory technician in the Gas and Organic Analysis Lab, while her mom, Ann, is the supervisor of Dosimetry Operations. These two are among a number of mother–daughter pairs at Y-12, and although they work in two very different areas of the plant, they are proud of the part they each have in supporting the mission.
“If we were to switch roles, I would want to scan the old preparation records that Sydney found in the lab and organize them,” Ann said. “The chemicals scare me.”
While the chemicals scare her mom, they are what make up the majority of Sydney’s day.
“I mainly work with chemicals, with a small part of my job including organizing,” Sydney said. “If I were to be in my mom’s role, I would want to avoid having to put the dosimeters together by hand. It seems to lead to sore hands and long days of work to complete both Y-12 and Pantex’s quarterly distributions.” (Y-12 continues to support Pantex with their employees’ dosimeters.)
Although their paths rarely cross professionally, working at the same place has brought them closer than ever before.
Growing up, Sydney never thought she wanted to work at Y-12, but during her last semester of college, she found herself applying for a laboratory technician job with Bioassay — a role that works closely with the Dosimetry group.
“When I was a kid, I just saw Y-12 as a place of business where my mom worked,” she said. “Now, I realize the importance and how cool it is to support the whole country from here. I love working here and getting to be a part of something like this with my mom.”
Working the same schedule as each other has its benefits, including allowing the mother–daughter duo to spend quality time together on Fridays. “Doodling” sounds like something you would do in a notebook, but to this family, it is a sacred Friday tradition that started when Sydney was a child and continues today.
“We ‘doodle’ around on Fridays, since we are both off. We like to spend those days together,” Sydney said. “We are never in a hurry, and we just go do different things. We might go look around in a shop, eat lunch, or run other errands, but we do it together.”
Ann has seen more than a few changes on-site over her 36 years, during which she has spent her entire career in the same organization. Throughout the years, Ann has seen how an education can help you succeed, whether you are putting together TLDs [thermoluminescent dosimeters] for multiple plants or analyzing chemicals.
“If I could give one piece of advice to our younger generation at Y-12, it would be to get an education because it is important,” Ann said. “The only thing that can limit you at Y-12 is you.”
Ann knows firsthand exactly what that means, as she completed her associate’s degree while an employee. Her supervisor at the time gave her the push to finish the last two classes she needed, so while taking care of children and working full-time, she finished what her family lovingly calls her “dec-associate’s” degree.
“It took me 10 years to finish, but I did it. And I see how it has benefitted me during my time here,” Ann said. “Y-12 has been a good place for me. It has provided a good livelihood, and I feel it is a place anyone can be successful. I am glad Sydney is here and I am proud to be her mom.”
This Mother’s Day, Ann is looking forward to remembering and honoring her own mother while Sydney is looking forward to appreciating what she is already grateful for every day, her mom.
To the mothers of Y-12, thank you for all you do to support the nation and the future of Y-12.