Located at the center of the Dahlonega Campus, HOAG Student Center is where many students gather to eat, game, study and hang out throughout the semester. So it’s no wonder students recognize certain employees.
In HOAG, there are several restaurants, including Einstein Bros, Wild Blue and The Drop. The restaurants, excluding Wild Blue, are under the company, Aramark.
Meaghan Patrick, an employee at Wild Blue, says, “There’s a lot to love about my job, but if I had to pick just one, it’d have to be encouraging the students.” She explains her love for getting to know the students who go through the line, wondering how she can support them from the sidelines.
“One thing I always say when I feel someone needs it is, ‘Take all my good vibes!’ That almost always brings a smile to the students’ faces!” says Patrick.
Patrick shares one of her favorite memories. She says a regular saw her on break and asked if he could join her. He shared his passion for film and explained he one day would like to make his own. “I hope he makes that movie. I’d be the first to buy tickets and spread the word,” Patrick says.
Patrick says she hopes to make everyone who comes through her register leaves with a little more light every day. She says, you can never know what is going on in someone’s life, and a little kindness can go a long way. “I’m happy and honored to provide [kindness] to everyone I come across, at work or otherwise.”
Aliesha Savor, an employee at The Drop, says, even with less customer interaction, “I do manage to get a [conversation] in if they come to the counter or if I have to help them grab their food from the locker.”
She explains her goal at work is to spread positivity to others and her coworkers. “I woke up, so that is more than enough motivation to be happy and positive,” Savor says.
She says she tries to strike up a conversation with customers, compliment them, ask them about their day or even joke with them.
Savor says she prays her positivity can make someone’s day a little better. “You never know what people go through on a daily basis, and I feel that a smile, small talk, or just being friendly can brighten someone’s day.”
Ana Henley, an employee at Einstein, says, “I’m hoping to make my workplace enjoyable for everyone around me, including the customers.” She says she really enjoys being able to make memories, learn new skills, and surround herself with a community.
Henley recalls a memorable interaction with two coworkers. She says they were walking to the car after a shift. It started pouring down rain, and though Henley said the rain itself wasn’t enjoyable, “being able to laugh about it together was enjoyable.”
Henley is a sophomore majoring in elementary and special education. She explains her job helps her learn new skills for her future while developing a community with her other coworkers. She says, “I enjoy being able to learn new things and have a community.”
HOAG Student Center hours and facilities can be found here.
