by Tracie Hayes

The spirit of the Memorial Union exists not only in its historical architecture, but the personalities that walk within it. I am currently a barista at Java Stop; the predominate coffee house in the Memorial Union. Having worked at the Memorial Union since spring of my sophomore year I have encountered activity in every season, during every term, and throughout every time of the day at OSU. Each season brings different events and as a result a melting pot of people. In my opinion it is not only meeting these people, but getting to catch a glimpse into their lives that makes this place a special environment for me to be a part of.

Every person I have encountered during my time in the MU has been beneficial to meeting and has always brightened up (or livened up) my day in some form. I have had the privilege of serving members of OSU athletic teams, fraternities and sororities, freshmen from the dorms, staff from various businesses located in the MU, exchange students, professors, graduate students, young children, parents, truck drivers, product deliverers, and janitors just to name a few. Two individuals, Beaver Joe and Jim the night janitor, have been regulars. They are people that most don’t typically have the opportunity of getting to know, but in this case I am not one of the majority.

For spring term, my schedule allowed me to work night shifts. Sometimes I am a little nervous if I work by myself at night as the MU is quiet and not many people are around then. However, Jim the janitor is there with me every night. He pops in to check up on me or tell me something funny that just happened while he was mopping a hallway. Sharing about his family and past not only makes the time at work go by faster, but teaches me lessons of life.

Beaver Joe is another regular customer. Typically coming in during the mid-afternoon to purchase a cherry coke, Joe is one of my favorites. He is always friendly, not only to me but to other customers. Showing off his Special Olympic medals (he is mentally handicapped), talking about the “silly bulls” he passes everyday he walks to campus, and telling you everything you need to know about any OSU athletic team are usual topics of conversation. Not a lot of people talk to him so he is thankful for the attention, but in fact he inspires me from his cheery attitude and outlook on life.