A few weeks ago, I was working so late at night that I was still in my office at midnight when the custodian showed up to begin his shift. We spoke briefly. He mentioned that he juggles classes as well as working nights, and I commiserated on the challenges of working the graveyard shift and thanked him for his efforts.
The next morning, a post-it note was attached to my computer screen with the following message: “It isn’t every day that someone takes time to say thanks and show even a shred of empathy toward our line of work. Most
people turn and look the other way. Thanks, Your Custodian.”
I’ve thought of that message many times since then and reflected on its implications for the campus as a whole. Do we, as a University community, take the time to thank the custodians, members of the grounds crew and other staff members who keep this campus running? Do you?
My challenge to everyone who reads this letter is simple. Look around. If you see litter on the ground, take a moment to pick it up. The next time you bring some food with you into a class, be sure you bring the trash out with you as well. One of the easiest ways to show you appreciate someone’s work is to make a little extra effort to lighten that person’s load. Notice the people who work hard to make this campus one of the most beautiful in the country. Thank them.
Julie Alonzo
Eugene