Vacuum, Sweep, Survive The Nun’s Wrath

At the beginning of my first year at Mount Marty College, I felt a surge of excitement and motivation upon learning that I had been selected for a work-study position. The idea of juggling both my studies and gaining hands-on work experience filled me with eager anticipation as I wondered what kind of role I would take on campus. This work-study opportunity not only meant earning extra funds to help finance my education but also presented a valuable chance to enhance my professional skills and connect with members of the college community. Whether it involved assisting in the library, supporting administrative tasks, or aiding faculty with research projects, I was enthusiastic about making a meaningful contribution while managing my academic responsibilities. When the letter with my work-study assignment finally arrived in my mailbox, I quickly opened it to discover my assignment: maintenance.

Following two rigorous years as a maid at Mitchell's Holiday Inn, I anticipated that my work-study placement would present fresh opportunities. However, I was assigned to the maintenance department—a vital, though repetitive and physically demanding role closely resembling my previous position. The prospect of enduring four more years filled with exhausting manual labor left me feeling frustrated and disheartened, as I hoped for a position that would enable me to acquire new skills and feel appreciated. Nonetheless, since I was financing my college education independently, I needed the job badly and therefore reported to the supervisor indicated on my assignment paperwork.

After an extensive and tiring exploration of the twisting hallways within the aged building, I eventually found Sr. Maria Teresa’s office, hidden away in the poorly lit basement of Bede Hall. As I pushed open the heavy wooden door, it creaked softly, unveiling a sparse room lined with towering shelves stocked with cleaning products and consumables. The sprite sister was sitting behind a cluttered desk, her keen eyes studying me over the top of her glasses. Her stern look and commanding presence immediately created an intimidating atmosphere, clearly signaling she would not tolerate any foolishness. Yet, beneath that stern exterior, I sensed an unmistakable warmth suggesting a gentle heart waiting to be uncovered.

Without any ceremony, Sr. Maria Teresa assigned me a cart brimming with various cleaning supplies and directed me to begin work on the second-floor offices. The cart contained everything from disinfectants and glass cleaners to microfiber cloths and a reliable vacuum, which made me feel well-prepared yet slightly overwhelmed. As I pushed the cart along the lengthy corridor, the soft murmur of staff at work filtered through the office doors. I paused beside each door, weaving my way around cluttered desks to empty overflowing trash bins. Following that, I used a microfiber towel to transform dusty windowsills, side tables, and computer stations into spotless spaces. Each office presented a distinct atmosphere – some characterized by active creativity, others by order and calm. I adapted my cleaning approach to each environment, thoroughly wiping surfaces, polishing windows, and emptying bins while listening carefully to the office chatter. This task not only challenged my stamina and attention to detail but also offered a rare chance to catch the campus’s circulating gossip. By the time I completed the job, the offices shone brightly, and my mind was brimming with intriguing tidbits to share with my friends.

In my first year, I approached my duties with enthusiasm and a strong work ethic, making every effort to keep the offices tidy and well-ordered. Yet, as months passed, the repetitive nature of the tasks dulled my initial zeal. By the time my second year arrived, I found myself neglecting certain responsibilities and lost the attention to detail I once maintained. While I reliably emptied the trash bins, I often delayed dusting until the buildup was unmistakable and unavoidable. The music practice rooms, too, received little attention from me, checked only every few weeks. With the extra free moments, I would either play piano in one of the music rooms or focus on homework in the student computer lab. Although I consistently recorded twenty hours of work, my actual number of hours was closer to fifteen.

News of my waning commitment eventually reached Sr. Maria Teresa, resulting in a summons to her office – a thought that filled me with dread. Renowned throughout the institution for her strict discipline, I was afraid that this meeting might cost me my job. When I entered her modest office, her piercing gaze immediately saw through my feeble excuses and justifications. Instead of delivering a harsh reprimand, she calmly but firmly emphasized the importance of dedication and responsibility, sharing complaints from faculty concerning their dirty offices. Ashamed to meet her eyes, I offered a heartfelt apology and promised to improve my behavior moving forward.

I wish I could say that after that encounter I consistently worked hard, but the truth is, I still fudged my time sheet a few times during the rest of my college years. Sr. Maria Teresa never summoned me again, so I suppose I cleaned well enough to avoid further complaints. Although my college work-study job didn’t provide much professional experience, it taught me an invaluable lesson in humility and appreciation. Through working alongside the janitorial staff, I witnessed their unwavering dedication to keeping the school environment clean and safe for students and faculty alike – an essential yet often overlooked role in educational institutions. In every school where I later taught, I made a point of befriending and appreciating the janitorial staff, recognizing that my work would have been impossible without their support. This experience fostered in me a deep respect for hard work, discipline, and the quiet pride that comes from doing one’s duties diligently. Ultimately, despite not directly advancing my career skills, my work-study position broadened my outlook and highlighted the significance of every employee in a school.