Meramec cashier responds to The Montage’s criticism of the cafeteria
In regards to the article posted in the September issue of the Montage about Treat America Dining, I would like to express my opinion. Most of the pricing is based on the cost of the food. When was the last time you went grocery shopping? Every week when I do my grocery shopping, prices go up. And I have been grocery shopping for many years. Things that happen in the world changes our prices, from droughts, hurricanes, snow, animals getting sick, not being able to feed those animals due to the weather, (heat, cold), etc. You based your evidence on fast food places. We are not a fast food place. We carry a variety of items as to what the students want and buy. The business is there and the students are buying.
Also, I would really like to express my opinion on the two paragraphs about the cashiers. Apparently you must have caught us on a bad day, as we have many customers who like us. Many customers, who take the time out of their day to stop by and say hi, or give a friendly hug. Who love us as the cafeteria mom, or the cafeteria cashier.
First of all, let me tell you why you may have caught at least myself on a bad day. How many years would you say you have been working, or do you work? I have been working what will be 40 years of my life in May, 2015. I started when I 15 years old. My parents did not have to buy my clothes or pay for things I needed after I turned 15 years old. Yes they kept a roof over my head. Kept me warm and sheltered. I purchased my own food, my own clothing, my entertainment and put gas and paid insurance on my car, etc. That happened for 4 years, then I was on my own. I kept straight A’s in all my classes. I took care of myself.
Secondly, I usually come to work on a daily basis in pain. As I not only have arthritis in my knees and back. I also have two bulging disc in my back, along with severe spinal stenosis. Yes, there are days I do not smile,due to pain. But I am still at my job every day to not only be the cashier that would rather be “rolling around with a family of porcupines” or “looking like I stepped on a thorn after my dog died”. But to also be there to cheer on the student for a good grade on a test, give empathy or sympathy to those students, whom may need it, listen if they just need someone to listen, or give advice if they come to me for it. I am the person they seek to give them some sort of enjoyment doing their day. Which, by the way, I do not ever recall your face amongst all the customers I have per day. I make my customers happy.
Thank you for my opinion,
Cheryl M. Krull (cashier)
