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Who would have thought that when I started working for the Food Services in 1989 that I would be in the position that I am today – an Area Supervisor.
I applied for the position of food service worker floater sub and after my health report had been approved, I received the call. I was surprised to hear them say “You are hired and will be on call.” All this happened in three days – they worked quick. I had to get white pants, white leather shoes, hair net and a smock shirt top; the uniform of a food service worker in 1989.
The next day I reported to Kepner Junior High as a floater. I felt right at home because both my children and I had attended this school. The manager then was Sharon Phillips a quiet lady who knew her job and made me feel that I was important. I was able to work there three days in a row and then was sent to other schools for the next week; each time learning new things.
My first job was dishing fruit and making chef salads. My supervisor told me about classes that we could take and learn more about the kitchen jobs. It took me seven months to become an hourly worker and again, was able to go home to Kepner as a regular worker.
At Kepner I was able to learn how to cook, bake, prepare salads, sandwiches and kitchen sanitation. I was able to complete all my classes in a little over two years.
I became involved with the DSFSA (Denver School Food Services Association) immediately after becoming an hourly worker and found that they had more educational opportunities to increase my knowledge of the right way of doing things. I attended CDE (Colorado Department of Education) workshops and DSFSA meetings; learning about various topics of interest to me, as a food service employee, from the knowledgeable speakers. I also was able to go to the former ASFSA (American School Food Services Association) National Convention several times as an officer.
I had a good supervisor who encouraged me to continue my training which not only helped to better my knowledge but also my income. This gave me the opportunity to become a manager of John F. Kennedy High School. I was lucky enough to be there for twelve years and enjoyed myself and the students for all those years.
In late 2004, I applied for an Area Supervisor I position and again received the call that I was hired. I have been in the food service office for six months and I have learned there is more to it than sitting in your cubicle and answering the phone. The chance to go out to lunch with the office staff is few and far between. I have learned that you work in a variety of situations (on a daily basis) with employees, school personnel, parents, write many reports and attend many meetings.
I wouldn’t trade this opportunity for the world I believe with the knowledge that I have gained along the way I have something to offer the managers and employees I supervise. I plan to retire from this position when I feel that I no longer have something to share.
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