Unsung heroes on campus: ‘Canteen staff are all absolute gems’

Who plays an essential role in your student life but rarely gets the recognition they deserve? Our readers see all kinds of unsung campus heroes: from a canteen worker to a steward in the Sanders Building.

We’re talking about the unsung heroes working behind the scenes. People who may not teach classes or hand out credits, but who do make your life easier. One student feels a canteen worker deserves the spotlight. “They’re all absolute gems, but there’s one person in particular: she works in the kitchen at the Mandeville canteen. She has curly blond hair always tied up in a bun, and she always wears mascara”, the student says of her favourite staff member. “She’s such a great cook. When I told her that once, she gave me a hug. A truly wonderful person!”

The ‘steward with a beard’ from the Sanders Building also received praise in our inbox: “He gave me cookies at Christmas! So sweet!”

A medical student nominates emeritus professor of Anatomy Gert-Jan Kleinrensink, the founding father of the GERS and EARP projects, extracurricular activities for medical students. “He even got a medal for his effort.”

Some submissions were more tongue-in-cheek. “My hero? The person who checks, edits and submits the group assignment last.” Another simply nominated themselves: “Because I persevere and do my best.”

Shout-out

What makes someone a hero? “When they always have a smile for you and make your day a little brighter”, one student says.

And a final shout-out, from someone who clearly understands the importance of food: “Thanks to all the canteen staff on campus – you really make me full(filled).”