Samantha’s (very busy) day

6.30AM: RISE & SHINE

Samantha sets her alarm to wake her siblings for school. “I want to be the first thing they see in the morning,” says Samantha (with Bella).

12.30PM: STOCKING UP

Samantha (with her grandmother Lourdes) spends roughly $300 a week on groceries for the family. “The kids go through food so fast,” she says.

4PM: AFTER-SCHOOL STUDYING

Samantha, who earned her high-school diploma through an alternative high-school program, helps Destiny and Bella with their homework.

6.40AM: GETTING READY

“We have a strict schedule in the morning,” says Samantha (helping Brenda and Bella get ready). “With five kids we need a routine.”

2PM: AN AFTERNOON DATE

“I’m not sure what I would do without him,” says Samantha of her boyfriend of two years, Jesus Santana. “He’s signed up for a lot.”

5PM: MAKING DINNER

“We cook very healthy meals for the kids,” says Samantha (with her grandmother). “The kids help me cook, and we sit down as a family.”

7.20AM: CARPOOL TO SCHOOL

“I used to have to get them to school without a car,” says Samantha. “They walked a lot. We’re so grateful to now have transportation.”

3.30PM: PICK-UP TIME

“Samantha gets us from school every day,” says Bella (right, with her younger sister Destiny outside their elementary school). “She’s never late.”

5.45PM: OFF TO WORK

After a long day caring for her siblings, Samantha heads to her job as a waitress at a nearby restaurant; she usually gets home around 11pm.