I am starting to realize that I am one of those people that needs the world to be on fire in order for me to get anything done. Take this very moment, I am currently on top of my studies, I’ve been going to class, taking notes, reading the books, all that stuff that isn’t always fun, but is rather necessary if you want to do well. The result? I feel as though I am going out of my mind! I’m bored quite often, my room looks like a disaster from all my tries at creativity (like buying outdoor christmas lights on clearance that are too heavy to be held up by tape) and I genuinely feel like there is something missing in my life. That something? Stress!
So, to make my life just a little bit harder, thus more stressful, thus more interesting, I got a job. This job? Serving food at the Totem cafeteria. First off, let me just say that I sincerely doubt that anyone living in residence understands how much effort goes into the preparation and presentation of your food. Well, anyone outside those who work there. It’s all so hectic and complicated, and there are countless people doing five thousand things at the same time just to get that food in your stomach. I, having completed two shifts serving and cleaning in the cafeteria, have a new found appreciation for these people. What I find sad about the whole thing, about these people who do whatever they can to get the food to you fast and fresh, is that just wearing the apron makes me invisible to most people. Rarely does anyone (outside of my friends and fellow cafeteria workers) say thank you or even look me in the eyes when I am serving them. It makes the whole job seem rather harsh. So do me a favor, next time you are in the caf, getting a quick lunch before you head off to class, say thank you to your cafeteria workers. Better yet, try and get to know them a little bit. I can promise you that they are really interesting, really sweet people that you’ll want to know.
So is my new job the perfect cure for my stress-free life? I know it’s early, but I have a feeling it sure is.
2 replies on “Stressful Server”
I used to make small talk with the customers at my first job at A&W. Some people would look at me all surprised, like they didn’t expect me to be a person with a life and things to say. And then they’d order like I hadn’t said anything at all. That was disheartening.
But you gotta love the people who actually look at you and say hi and actually give a shit about how your day was :) :) :)
I loved my time working at the Place Vanier dining room. In particular, I remember working with Rose at the sandwich bar once a week. She was always so interested in what I was up to and I recall enjoying having a “real grown-up” to talk to on a regular basis. She always used to try and set me up with potential dates from our selection of customers, too.
I have to say that I think the small interactions with people who give and receive service (like in the cafeteria), are a hallmark of real community. If we want to live in great places, we have to be willing to slow down enough to actually talk to one another. Reminds me of an interesting entry by Kristian on the Terry site about individualism. http://www.terry.ubc.ca/index.php/2008/01/17/terry-without-borders%c2%ae/