The cafeteria has been a consistent and enjoyable place to eat with a wide variety of meals from breakfast, lunch, and dinner every week and weekend, and all of that is thanks to the cafeteria workers.
The cafeteria workers have contributed to an environment where students can come and choose a variety of food from pizza, soup, lemon chicken, wraps, BBQ rib sandwiches, burgers, orange chicken, etc. The cooks are a big factor in making every food consistent throughout each time period. Curious about their work hours as they are in the kitchen for a large portion of the day, I asked two workers, Mr. Von, and Ms. Summer, how much they work each week. Mr. Von responded, “Eight hours a day.” Ms. Summer added, “I work eight to ten hours.”
Cafeteria workers have been able to create an environment where the food is warm and the floors are clean. I asked Mr. Von and Ms. Summer how they helped contribute to this consistent environment. Mr. Von said, “By making everything the same every time. If you make everything the same, you always receive the best outcome.” Ms. Summer added, “I help by cleaning up after you guys and working in the bakery.”
Cafeteria workers impact students’ well-being by making sure they are fed throughout the day. Once students get out of class, they can expect an option of warm meals fixed by cooks in different sections of the kitchen. During each period between meals, cooks have to regularly prepare a new batch of options so students don’t have to wait for their food. It’s a constant motion that cooks make so every student can get their food as consistent as the last serving. I asked Von and Summer what they enjoyed most about working in the cafeteria. Von responded happily, “The students. I enjoy getting to meet each student.” Summer answered similarly, “I love the students.”
With this school year coming near to an end, I wanted to conclude the article by asking the two how they feel about SNU and its community. Von answered, “I like everybody here, and they like me. So, it’s a good mutual environment.” Summer concluded by saying, “I love it. It’s very positive. They keep us smiling.”
SNU’s cafeteria workers have impacted students by making us memorable meals, helping us solve our hunger problems, and getting to know us on a personal level. Students who usually eat and leave without notice should create small talk with these hard-working cafeteria workers, even if it’s a simple little hi or goodbye. They’re cool people to talk to, and will happily get to know you. As mentioned by Summer and Von, these workers’ favorite part of the job is getting to meet the students. So, let’s make sure to get to know them and thank them in the same way they have served and blessed us.
Photo by Jalan Washington