One of the happiest moments after a night of partying is when you realize it is only 2 a.m. and all the drunchie hotspots near campus are still open for business. Then, the only decision to make is where, and this could end up being the most difficult decision of the night. Some will go for a healthier option such as Subway or Caspian, while others want to load up on carbs with a selection from Dairy Queen or Qdoba.
A lot of people love having the option to get a midnight snack at one of the many restaurants open late around campus, but not everyone loves working the late shift. With Dough Co. delivering until 3 a.m., and Sizzle Pie until 2:45 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 3:45 a.m. Friday and Saturday, several employees have to be up and alert much later than they have before.
Many young employees, against their preference, get stuck working the late shift because they are more recently hired and get the last pick of hours. Sami Gray, a junior currently working at Yogurt Extreme, often falls victim to late shifts.
“Working later is tough, but it really is not hard for me to stay awake. It just kind of messes up my sleep schedule,” Gray said.
In addition to working at Yogurt Extreme, Gray has also picked up an internship for the summer at Women’s Care, causing her  to have to plan time to sleep.
While most would dread working the late shifts, there are some people who need the hours and there are those who actually prefer working late. One night owl is sophomore Jessica Mickey, who chooses to work the late shift at Dairy Queen.
“I pick the late shift because then I get the whole day to do whatever I want,” Mickey said. “Sometimes it makes me a little tired for class, but morning coffee helps.”
Working late at a place like Dairy Queen in a college town, has given Mickey her fair share of dealing with and cleaning up after intoxicated individuals.
“Working late you just have to take power naps, be prepared for crazy people and have a positive attitude,” Mickey said. Handling people who are under the influence can be challenging, but handling people who are under the influence and hungry can be dangerous.
Students who work the late shift regularly don’t get off until after 3 a.m., and then have to make their way home through the dark empty streets of Eugene. Luckily for employees, although bad news for late night patrons, many of the establishments around campus close earlier during the summer because of the lack of students in Eugene. Come September, students will pile into Eugene and make sure 13th Avenue is lively from dusk to dawn.
Next time you’re picking up food from Subway or getting Dough Co. delivered after a late night study session, maybe ask your server how his/her night is going. Whether drunk or sober, it’s not difficult to be nice to the people that are there to serve you.  Even just giving them an extra big smile might be what helps them get through the rest of their shift.
@@I called Sami Gray and left voice mail asking for name spelling confirmation – Stella@@