January 2021
By Yuritsi Jaimes, Staff Reporter
The KAC family is growing in more ways than one, as two of our teachers, Amber Corral and Jessica Neumann, have each had babies in recent months. Corral, a Social Studies teacher, gave birth to her daughter Mia Isabel Corral on October 25th, and Neumann, an inclusion teacher who supports English classes, gave birth to her son, Omar Elias Neumann on July 3rd. Mrs. Neumann returned to teaching in October, while Mrs. Corral remains on parental leave until January. Both teachers agreed to speak to The Cardinal Post about parenthood and teaching during the pandemic. These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
Amber Corral
When did you find out you were pregnant?
Amber Corral: I found out in the end of February, beginning of March.
If I may ask what did you have?
AC: I had a girl – born 10/25.
What is her name?
AC: Mia Isabella Corral.
Were you scared about your pregnancy because of the virus?
AC: Well I found out I was pregnant before we began to shut Texas down. I was excited, I began to plan for her arrival. Then when the shutdown began I was mildly nervous. I didn’t become really nervous until the summer. Mainly because I wanted my family and friends to be involved in the baby’s arrival, be at the hospital, hold her after she is born, enjoy her. With the virus we have to be extremely careful about every step we take and the people she is around, even if they are family.
When do you plan to go back to teaching?
AC: After winter break, first week back in January
Are you going to go back to campus?
AC: I’m not sure. It depends on if I can continue to stay exempt (stay virtual) or not. If I can stay exempt I will not go back. I want my family to be as safe as possible.
What do you miss the most about teaching or being back on campus?
AC: Everything! I miss face to face interaction, getting to know new kids, teaching to an actual audience and not a screen.
Is there anything you would like to tell your students?
AC: To 2021: I’m proud of you; you will grow resilient and stronger (if you haven’t already) through all the challenges the pandemic has thrown at you. Continue to work through your senior year; I cannot wait to see you graduate.
To 2022: Thank you for allowing me to get to know you, invade your cell phone messages, etc. I can’t wait to continue to get to you this year.
Jessica Neumann
When did you find out you were pregnant?
Jessica Neumann: I found out last October. October is my favorite month (I love Halloween). My husband and I got married in October 13th, 2017 (Friday the 13th!) and then two years later we found out we were expecting. So it definitely solidified October as my favorite month!
*last October meaning October 2019. That’s probably obvious but I figured I’d clarify!
What did you have?
JN: A boy. Omar Elias
When was Omar born?
JN: July 3rd. My husband’s birthday is July 5th, so they are birthday buddies.
Is he your first born?
JN: He is! (Unless you count my cat.)
Were you scared when you were pregnant/when he was born because of the virus?
JN: I was worried for a long time that I was going to have to give birth alone. In March/April, I was hearing horror stories about women having to go to the hospital by themselves. Thankfully by the time I went into labor in July, they were allowing partners to join, so my husband got to go with me. The hospital that we went to was very safe and they tested us for COVID as soon as we got there. I did have to wear a mask, so we have pictures of me in labor with my mask on.
During your pregnancy what precautions did you take?
JN: Basically just staying home all the time. I was privileged that my job allowed me to work from home and have the summer off. I just stayed home everyday and only went out for walks and doctor’s appointments. I’ve gotten to know the inside of my apartment pretty well.
What advice can you give to other women that are pregnant during this pandemic?
JN: Try to get outside as much as you can to go on walks or just breathe in the fresh air. Vitamin D is really important and being outside is good for both your physical and mental health.
Has motherhood changed the way you see things?
JN: Absolutely! I think now more than ever, I feel an obligation to lead by example. I’ve had thoughts about little things like, “How can I get my son or my students excited about reading if I’m not excited about it?” Or on a larger scale, “How can I encourage them to active members of their community if they don’t see me doing the same thing?” So I think the traits I want to see in him (and my students too!) need to be traits that I’m modeling. And parenthood has forced me to create more action steps to better myself, instead of just thinking about it. Like Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see.” You know?
Do you have any pictures that you are willing to share for The Cardinal Post?
JN: Oh, do I!
The Cardinal Post 