The power of connection

 

We are in times when connection is extremely important. One thing I have learned is just because someone is more reserved or quiet it doesn't mean that they don't want a connection.  

Right now there is one group of people longing for connection. It's seniors. The residents I work with three days a week are still very isolated. They talk to the team often. Often times when I leave work, the residents will come downstairs in the lobby and talk to me. For me it is these conversations that remind me why I love my job.  A few months ago, one of the the residents asked me if I worked in the dietary department and I said yes. He said for his first job he was a server.  Conversations like this will forever be remembered. Knowing these residents makes me motivated to try my best at work and in the words of our food and facilities management company Sodexo: Make meal time enjoyable! 

I am a person who values connection. I value connections with my family, friends, mentors and of course my boyfriend Adam.  

Here are some stories of mentors who I have talked to: 

A few months ago, I talked to my close friend and mentor Trevor for an hour and a half. We just talked about everything ranging from life to work. He filled me in about his life and I talked to him about what was new in my life. Trevor and I have known each other for many years through Best Buddies and with this connection he knows my family and Adam. 

I am lucky to say I still keep in touch with my former supervisors Ellen and Kristi. We text about our families, lives and work. We're hoping to get our first quarterly lunch in the coming months when this pandemic winds down. They are no doubt mentors to me. Also Ellen and my current boss Keith have have same last name. This being the only way I remember their last names.

The last story of a mentor who I enjoy seeing is our area GM for Solterra Nicolle. She came by BridgeWater Midtown in January and we caught up. I learned she's from Chicago. She has since become a mentor to me. She looks for me when she comes by since she knows I will give her a warm welcome.  Since this connection formed, my manager has started to open up to me, which I know is a BIG step. 

People often love being about their 

1. Families
2. Life 
3. Sports