| No, they are not the result
of some alien mutation. Brass Ovaries refers to women
(occasionally a man) who some how distinguish themselves from
the pack. Stories that may be plucked from the front, middle and
back sections of various newspapers. These note worthy
individuals exemplify the characteristics of women who live
life to the fullest. They meet challenges head on.
Flourish from what would appear to be hostile, stagnant or stale
environments.
************************************************
|
Arlene
Collins greets every student with one of her unique
salutations
Arlene Collins welcomes Tim Hall, Business sophomore,
to Brandeis Dining Hall. When asked about her trademark
enthusiasm, Collins replied, "I do it for the
kids."
Photo by Matt Anzur
By
Jake Craney
Reporter
"Good morning, sweetie pie!"
" How you doing, baby cakes?"
" Hi, sunshine!"
These are just a few of the familiar greetings flowing
from the delighted face of Arlene Collins, the weekday
lunch-shift cashier at Brandeis Dining Hall. With an
infectious and youthful enthusiasm, 65-year-old Collins
swipes the ID cards that allow Creighton students to eat
at Brandeis.
No matter what endearing term she chooses from her
arsenal, whether it is "baby cakes,"
"honey bunch," "sugar pie" or any of
the countless others she comes up with, you can be sure
she will be smiling when she says it.
Collins is in her 15th year at Creighton. With her
uniform neatly tucked in and her visor perched atop her
petite figure, she is a welcome sight for students
entering the dining hall.
" I’m boring, that’s all you need to
know," Collins said with a slight grin.
Born in Omaha, Collins has had a variety of jobs,
including cashiering and hairstyling. She lived in
California for 18 years and visits the West Coast during
the summer. Fifteen years ago, she decided to return to
her home state and contacted Creighton for possible
employment opportunities. She started in Becker Dining
Hall working the food lines and then moved to Brandeis.
Most of her spare time during the school year is spent
with her sister, son and daughter.
She said there have not been that many significant
changes in her duties since she has been here, but she
remains enthusiastic about her work.
" I do it for the kids," Collins said.
"Whatever they get out of it, I do too. It helps me
just as much as it helps the kids."
Collins said her favorite part of the job is the
interaction with the students and the time she spends
with them every day.
" Arlene keeps everybody upbeat," said Tony
Hayes, Brandeis Dining Hall manager.
Hayes took over as dining hall manager four years ago
and has since worked with Collins almost every day.
" The best thing about her is her overall attitude;
she really enjoys her job," Hayes said. "I
respect her a lot."
Arts & Sciences sophomore Erik Thomas eats at
Brandeis nearly every day. He said interacting with
Collins brightens his day.
" There have been days when I’m really busy or
have tests, and I’m in a bad mood, but when I go to
Brandeis, Arlene is there and talks to me a little
bit," Thomas said. "It gives me a break from
the stress of the day and puts a smile on my face every
time."
If Collins did not work at Brandeis, he said he would be
more likely to eat somewhere else.
" She provides an atmosphere that I want to go back
to the next day. I’m sure other students feel the
same," Thomas said.
Collins said she plans to stay at Creighton.
Until the next time you hand your card to the small
woman with the big heart: "Have a good day,
sunshine!"
|
|
