It can be a great environment if you make it one. So why is it that I dislike working there? Unfortunately, due to the lack of student employment I have had to work twice as hard. But why should I? Why should my co-workers, too? I have no mixed feelings about the use of plastic plates and utensils-it definitely makes my job a hell of a lot easier. But because some of you whine and complain that the use of paper plates is wasteful or that it is just plain not good enough for you, dining services sometimes resorts to using the real silverware even when there are not enough workers for that day.
If it was up to me I would say, "Deal with it!" Either that or work in Valentine, and I am totally serious about that. There is nothing wrong with working there. There is only something wrong with you for thinking that. A job is a job. Why don't people realize that? There are even people in denial of their financial obligations who disregard the work study in their financial aid package-in other words, they do not work. Valentine really needs you guys! The stereotypes of working in the dining hall are just not true, and there are several things that I want to set straight. Personally, I feel that Amherst students are totally cool and respectful of student workers.
My friends do not think any less of me for working there, and some of them work there, too. I encourage people to chat with actual student workers and to speak with the managers. It is definitely a warm and friendly place and should not be overlooked by those seeking employment. I also encourage people to visit the servery, and no, I am not out of my mind! Go see for yourself what people do back there! You will be surprised that it is not the hard work that some people make it out to be. To give you an example of a typical day, I first punch in a little bit before the start of my shift. Afterwards, I grab a bite to eat for about 25 minutes, which is actually required of Amherst students.
So essentially I get paid for eating during that time. You see what you guys are missing! When I am done with my meal, I officially begin work. On average my duties consist of stacking plates, bowls, cups, or whatever. This is not at all like I first pictured it. I initially thought that I would be scrubbing dishes and mopping floors, but this is not true. There are even break times that the managers keep insisting you take, and co-workers happily substitute for you if you need a break. Then there is the satisfaction of having done a job well-done, because without us back there Valentine couldn't possibly function.
It is the workers who make sure your cups are clean and the plates are spotless. It is the workers who make sure that the salad bowls and the utensils are sent out. It is even the workers who put juice and ice cream in the machines. Keep in mind that a stressed-out worker is less likely to perform his job well. If you occasionally see a dirty dish or bowl, that is the stress of having to put away about a hundred or so plates at once by yourself. We do not have time to check to see if it is properly cleaned or not. Can you imagine that? I am sure you know what I am talking about.
But if this shortage of workers continues then the quality of work and service in Valentine diminishes greatly. The break times get shorter, and the workload per person increases. This can lead to dirty dishes and who knows what else? If you wonder why the area where you bus your trays sometimes gets crowded and why the machine just stops moving the trays forward-it's because there is only one person back there. I think that so far we have done our best and should be applauded-a raise is called for! All kidding aside, come and fill out an application. Valentine is here to serve you.