When asked, Ms. Esmerelda quickly and excitedly responded that she loves her job. Wide-eyed and smiling she remarked how she really enjoyed it because it was social, "you know, its like being part of the community." As we chatted this became evident, as she warmly greeted every person coming to a late dinner at Frary. It was surprising just how many student names she knew, which is both a tribute to her memory and to students for being friendly at least. Ms. Esmerelda sincerely enjoys the company and communication she has with everyone going in and out, experiencing the community one story at a time.

Ms. Esmerelda has been working at Pomona for five years , not including an earlier stint before she had her first child. Ms. Esmerelda has two children, one five year old son and an admittedly very cute18 month old daughter, of whom she always carries pictures of on a keychain stuffed in her uniform apron. Ms. Esmerelda works very hard for her children, whom she supports herself. She literally beamed as she proudly exclaimed that her son, who is in kindergarten, is part of the Green Team. The Green Team is comprised of the students who are well behaved and are already excelling at their academics, she continued to explain, seeing the confused look on this editor's face.

Darting a quick sideways look and smiling slyly, Ms. Esmerelda guiltily admitted to me that she often arrives at work about five or ten minutes late. We laughed about this, but she quickly tightened up and noted the importance of being on time. Ms. Esmerelda is one of those people who has a great grasp on handling conversations, knowing when to be serious and when to lightly jest. Besides, she is late because she is waiting for her brother to return from college so he can take care of her children. She has been busy all day, too; she is going to school, studying to become a dental assistant. This is no easy task, especially since Ms. Esmerelda is taking on her studies on an accelerated track. She is looking forward to her new job, because it will be less rushed, but still equally as social. She will not be leaving her job at Pomona though, but will start working at both. Ms. Esmerelda's outgoing and lighthearted nature often readily obscures the hectic schedule of her day to day life. But there is no doubt that Ms. Esmerelda is an incredibly committed and integral part of her family and community, both at home and at work here at Pomona.

With the weight of work, school, and children all on her mind, Ms. Esmerelda is still in tune with students' feeble problems. She said its hard at Snack especially, because she sees "you [students] come in all the time getting soda and coffee and I know you've got a long night coming, and I'm just feeling like I wish I could help with your papers and tests or whatever." She had noted earlier that working at Pomona was nice because "it becomes a part of you," and she does not make this claim lightly. Her sense of community probably comes from her family, she lives with her two of her brothers and their children. The house seems empty without the kids though, she notes. Frary is the same she says, when it gets late and slow, but that's OK, because Snack is coming and its always fun, even when the rats dart across the floor like it’s a "party."

Ms. Esmerelda has worked elsewhere in the Dining Hall, even remarking that she really liked the day she got to make pizzas, but swiping cards was still probably the best. "I just get to talk to everyone, but sometimes I wish I was helping everyone else, like the ladies that do the salad bar. They have a lot to cut up you know." This gentleman was pleased. It is comforting to know that there is someone with a heart as big as Esmerelda's working in my community, and I am impressed that there is a person cares and gives more to this community than most of us ever will. So next time you go to eat, smile, and expect a big smile back from someone who is a happy member of our community.