The Charger-Archived Fall 2014 | Page 13

My sophomore year of high school, I was blessed with a fifth-period study hall — also known as a free ticket to the front of the sandwich line. Because of this, I had the opportunity to get to know Ms. Angel Sturdivant, a veteran of the Dining Hall’s highly popular sandwich station.

Most days, we would spend a few minutes talking before the cafeteria filled up with hungry teenagers, and, towards the end of the year, I honestly think I got to talk to Ms. Sturdivant more than some of my teachers.

So why is it that we hear so little about the interactions between the student body and our Flik staff members? I decided to go speak with some of the Flik crew to learn a little bit more about them and to get a better idea of their relationship with the student body.

I started off by speaking to Mr. David Aycoth, Flik’s Dining Services Director who's been at Providence Day for about eight years. When asked what he thinks is the best part of his job, he replied, “I think I can say this for everybody, we enjoy watching the students grow.” It's really interesting to think about the fact that many Flik crew members have seen me almost every day for the last five years.

I also interviewed Ms. Shanella, who is primarily responsible for switching out silverware and making iced tea. She tells me she's been with the PDS community since 1999. She’s seen 16 classes graduate from Providence Day and really has been there to watch us grow up.

Later, I got the chance to speak to some other Flik faculty members. When I asked what the best part of their day is, Ms. Eloise, who usually works the entree station, gestured to her coworkers and said, “Spending time with these lovely people,” which resulted in a collective “awww” from the table.

Ms. Joann, who many of us know from the checkout line, mentioned they like to blast music in the kitchen while they work. I’ve walked through the Dining Hall before lunch in the past and I know she isn’t kidding!

Overall, I certainly got the sense that these women know how to have fun. I also asked what they thought about the student body in general. Ms. Eloise said, “I love laughing with you guys and hearing about your day. You guys are hilarious.”

Ms. Tsige, who is originally from Ethiopia and has two kids at Providence Day, enthusiastically responded, “We have the best kids in the world. We love you guys.”

“So would you say you’ve built a relationship with the students?” I asked.

The unanimous answer is, “Yes.”

I think that all of us should be thankful to have our Dining Hall staff. Getting to know them a little better was a great decision, and I hope that more students will do the same.

The student body should try harder to demonstrate the appreciation and respect that we have for our Flik faculty because not only would it make their working day a little better — it makes our school day a little more fun as well.

Friends with

FLIK

by Leora Akbarov