It's been slightly over a month since I started working as a Desk Receptionist in one of Marquette's residence halls. So far, the experience has been wonderful and something I do not regret at all. I have the opportunity to meet wonderful people, learn valuable skills, and most important of all, be the little pick-me-up that I know college students need.
When I was first hired at Cobeen as a Desk Receptionist, I was worried that I'd have a terrible experience. I was worried some of the residents wouldn't like me, that I wouldn't be able to handle how loud it could get with the dining hall a few feet away from the desk, and that the other DR's would rub me the wrong way. I'm happy to say that this past month has put all those fears to bed. The girls in the building are just too amazing and too nice for me. Time and time again, I have been able to connect with the residents whether it's through a love of Shawn Mendes, Tori Kelly, Bob's Burgers or one of my nostalgic polls regarding childhood TV shows.
One of the reasons I wanted to be a Desk Receptionist was to be the "light" in the lives of my residents. I would brighten up any dark day they were having or share the year-long wisdom I had obtained at Marquette already. I was going to be a role model, a leader, a teacher, and a friend to the residents I was hired to ensure had a safe environment. A welcoming, energetic environment is exactly what students need. Oftentimes we're working ourselves to our limits and, for some of us, beyond that. So when you enter a dorm and you see a DR that isn't welcoming or that has a terrible attitude, it kind of ruins your day as well. I create this environment by playing music all the time, dancing, having conversations with various RA's, and attempting to ask how each and every single one of the girls are doing. As students, we understand the hassles of school, work, extracurriculars, so it should make even more sense to not fall into the funk and treat our residents like we couldn't care less.
A few times guests have passed the desk and inquired about the job, saying it must be easy and they would like it. The first thing I say when they make that comment is: "It's more than just sitting at a desk and swiping cards." I had originally thought the same, however, there is so much more that goes into it. DR's are the first line of defense against anything that can harm residents. We make sure things run smoothly with the help of our Facilities Manager (who, by the way, is definitely the greatest person I've ever met), the Residence Hall Director (who is totally the coolest lady in the entirety of Marquette University), and the Resident Assistants (all of whom are the kindest, loveliest ladies anyone could have ever asked for).
My fellow DR's are literally the coolest people, I have ever met. They're all too nice and all too amazing at their jobs. Dare I say it, but I think we are the best Desk Receptionists on campus. We have Kelly, Lauren, Jordan and, of course, me. It is always a party when I'm at the desk. So when a resident says they like my music or they think I'm hilarious, I know that I am excelling at doing my job. Now, I'm going to go a little bit further and make the claim that Cobeen, in general, has the best staff. The RHD, Maria, leaves me speechless. I cannot think of any words to describe her because she's just that marvelous. Then we have the RA's, who make my life and shifts so much better the second they step in the lobby. Nadja, Rachel, Stacy, Katie, they are all such magnificent women and I truly appreciate it when they stop by to engage in some playful banter or just have a game of Heads Up.
The best way to sum of the job is through the wise words of an unknown man:
"Good. This is good, because people are good."
