Lunch at SCHS brings a hustle and bustle of students rushing to the cafeteria line, coming with hopes of bidding for extra food. I am right there with them, only on the other side of the counter.
In seventh grade, the leadership teacher at Cabrillo Middle School, Ms. Cardenas, gave me a volunteering opportunity to serve lunch in the cafeteria. I wanted to give it a try, and I ended up doing that for the rest of my middle school. I enjoyed the time I spent handing out lunch and being a larger part of the school community.
When it was time for me to bid farewell to CMS, I felt I was able to contribute, at least in small part to the community.
I arrived at SCHS confused and lost, trying to figure out how high school is supposed to work. Where is my place in this hierarchy of senior, junior, sophomore and freshman?
When Club Fair arrived, however, one club in particular caught my interest: California Scholarship Federation.
One of the requirements to be a member is to take up a lunchtime volunteering shift every semester. Serving lunch in the cafeteria allowed me to not only work toward something I enjoy, but it also motivated me to keep my grades up so that I could continue volunteering.
The days I had a shift, I would put on my hairnet, apron and gloves before getting assigned to a station to pass food. Students would start rushing in on the sound of the bell, and before I knew it, the queue had formed all the way to the door.
I learned to be swift in serving, and it kept me on my toes at all times. Lunchtime volunteering for CSF, however, really taught me the importance of communication. At any moment, I need to be able to relay the information given to me by a student, and communicate portion management to my serving partner.
We form a synchronized process to distribute food. Each of us takes part in one half of the serving: I put on rice while someone else would put on meat. Working in tandem streamlines the process.
My most enjoyable moments when volunteering are when students say “Thank you.” Oftentimes, people do not notice those working behind the counters. They will look at me, but not see me beyond a server. Saying “thank you” is an acknowledgement that I am providing service, and their feedback is a sign of gratitude I do not take lightly.
CSF allows me to feel a sense of purpose in the SCHS community, even if it is minor. Working with the nutrition specialists made me realize that everyone plays a part. No matter how small or insignificant, everyone’s role in any occupation is contributing to a wider picture, and I am glad to be part of that.