April 21, 2009 issue

I came to Eastern in September 1980. I was a single mom and I had gone to a federally-funded training school for clerical skills. They also helped me with job placement and they sent me to Eastern for an interview. I started out as a secretary in the special education department. There was a special education school in Rackham at the time. The kids always would wander down and give me hugs.

In 1987, I joined the custodial staff. I maintain Brown/Munson Apartments. There's so many things that I do and it's a lot of work. I do everything from cleaning carpets to washing walls. I often help students with problems they may have with their apartments.

Watching boys practice for the Greek bed races is what made me want to stay at Eastern. I can remember watching them and I knew that this would be a fun place to work. The students keep the atmosphere light and enjoyable. They get to know me and they trust me. The students know I am here if they need help. I've had students ask me to write letters of recommendation for jobs on campus. If you do them little favors here and there, they are nice to you and keep your building cleaner. A lot of the times, I feel like their mother. My kids are all college-aged or beyond, so I'm used to being around people that age.

Both my husband and son work at Eastern. Eastern is a very family-friendly environment and conducive to having kids. If there is a problem with your family, no one gives you a hard time about staying home and taking care of them.

Eastern has become my home away from home. I'm comfortable here. I've met so many people that I've come to care about. The staff here has a lot of fun. We've had a lot of potlucks throughout the years. Eastern has changed a lot. I like the new, but I like the old, too. That's why I like Brown/Munson. It has history. — Contributed by Heather Hamilton

 

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