The staff at Northwestern’s Cafe work to provide and serve food for the students that flock to the cafeteria during serving hour.
But hard work isn’t the only factor that goes into the job. The ladies of the Cafe also have to be warm and cheerful to every student.
So who are these ladies?
Mindy Sneller, Kelly Hoppcroft and Patti Boon are three workers at the Cafe. Their personalities help to create the environment of the Cafe; both behind the scenes and in the front lines.
Sneller has been working at NW for four years.
“I’m a very detailed and organized person,” she said. “Kelly says I have OCD. I have lots of lists.”
Hoppcroft has also worked at NW for four years. Working with her coworkers lifts her spirits.
“Seeing my coworkers in a good mood is great,” Hoppcroft said.
“I guess what keeps me on track and in a good mood all day is the awesome staff that’s here, every day, at the same time, doing what we need to do,” Sneller said. “And when somebody’s sick or not able to be here, it throws me. I’m one that loves consistency, routine, and I love the group that I work with.”
“The staff in the morning is usually joking around and happy,” Boon said. “It’s a really good atmosphere.”
The Cafe can also be a source of entertainment. The ladies enjoy having fun with the students.
“I love the pranks,” Sneller said. “I love it when we get pranked in the Cafe. I’m all about a good joke.”
Her favorite prank was when students stole all the tables. “I know maintenance didn’t like it, because they couldn’t find the tables! They were gone!”
Jokes played by the students aren’t the only fun to be had here. The ladies like to poke fun at each other too.
“Mindy and I have an ongoing whipped cream battle; who can get whom the best,” Hoppcroft said.
All three women notice the students that come through their lines every day. When asked what qualities they notice from the students of NW, Hoppcroft said, “Kindness, politeness, friendliness. They’re very willing to help if needed. Any of the kids, really.”
Boon has been at NW for 17 years.She really enjoys interacting with the students.
“They’re friendly,” Boon said. “I don’t know; I just enjoy the kids. Sometimes I’ve sat with different kids, and we get a little relationship going.”
“I love meeting all the kids,” Hoppcroft said. “They’re so friendly, and it’s neat to meet people from all around the country and states. That’s what makes your day, when you can interact with the people.”
These women enjoy having a good time and the ability to interact with the students.
At the end of the day, the hard work put into creating that environment is worth it for these ladies.
“We just want to have a good time,” Sneller said. “You guys come here to eat, not think about class. You need to have fun!”
