After five years and thousands of swiped food cards, Carol Critchley—or “Carol from the cafeteria,” as many students know her—has resigned from her position as one of Sodexo’s cashiers.
To the students and staff of TWU,
Can I say it’s been my pleasure to have met you all. You gave me a reason to get up everyday. Your kind words, your hugs, oh God how I’ll miss those hugs. To serve you daily was a great honour. You made me laugh often. Some of us shed a tear together through tough moments. May I now say I am not a religious person, but you prayed for me. Thank you. You are students that made me feel proud, even though I’m not related. The TWU staff is the best.
Thank you for talking to me and sharing stories. I, the mere cashier, have never had so many people “like” me in my entire life. As a skinny child and teen I was shy. As a married wife who gained weight I was shunned. You all took me for me. You never judged me. I thank you. For those of you that became dinner and movie friends, we’ll meet again. To all the students, I’ll see you in the malls, movies, and our favourite McDonalds.
Your Friend Forever,
Carol, the Cashier Lady
P.S. Did I say I love you all and I miss you already?
Critchley’s last day of work on Oct. 3 was filled with students visiting her to say goodbye, some bringing flowers and cards.
“It felt horrible,” Critchley said, thinking back to her last day. “I was an emotional mess. I was leaving a job I loved.”
Critchley resigned for various reasons, including what she cites as a lack of teamwork and leadership in her work environment.
“Everyone was confused over who does what and who was in charge of their section,” she said. “One person tells you one thing and another tells you something different.”
Critchley was also frustrated with Sodexo’s pay structure. As a senior employee, she felt she wasn’t remunerated properly for her years with Sodexo.
“People I was training were getting paid the same as me,” she said. “What an insult. What does that say to me as an employee?”
Sodexo employs approximately 70 people on campus. Critchley was one of the most senior employees.
“We do pay extra for seniority,” said Chris Fox, director of dining and catering services. However, Sodexo follows certain seniority schedules and policies, which Critchley disagreed with.
Critchley isn’t sure where she will take her career next, but what is certain is that she will be missed on campus. For many students, Critchley was one of the highlights of their cafeteria experience – even for students who have not eaten in the cafeteria for a while.
“Carol was always happy and would ask you how you were doing,” said third-year student Blair Kesteven. “It’s too bad that this year’s freshmen won’t get to know her like we did.”
Fox agrees. “One of the first things I noticed about Carol was how well the students were attracted to her,” he said. “We’ll definitely miss her.”
Critchley will miss the campus life, too. “You guys rock,” Critchley said.
“My favourite memories are all the hugs, laughs and secret stories you all shared with me,” she said. “TWU made my life a wonderful reason to get up everyday. Bless you all.”
For last year’s story on Carol: http://www.marshillonline.com/news/not-just-another-face
