Staff Editorial: During emergencies, save a thought for service staff

When a blizzard descends, it's perfectly understandable that students have a lot on their minds. What, for instance, can be adapted into a sled now that the cafeteria no longer has trays? How, when the snow stops, can one dig out a car without a snow shovel? And, most importantly, how many classes will be cancelled?

So it's understandable that in the excitement that comes along with a big snowfall, students have other things on their mind.

But it is important to remember that while we plan sledding trips and snowball fights without the responsibilities of school, the people who serve us still have to come into work. Last week, while classes were cancelled due to blizzard conditions, cafeteria workers, Public Safety officers, and facilities employees had to come to work. They braved driving sleet, gusting winds, and a public transport system that had shut down for the duration of the storm. Considering the conditions, it's a miracle so many of them were able to come in safely. While here, they saw to our needs—they shoveled and plowed walkways and parking lots, made food for hungry students, and saw to our safety in the worst of conditions.
So next time St. Joe's faces conditions such as we had this past week, let’s make sure not to take the people who serve us for granted.