Many individuals contribute to UA’s smooth-running campus; from the bus drivers that get us to and from our destinations safely, the groundskeepers behind the scenery we pass on campus every day, and even the janitors that keep campus lecture halls and dining facilities clean. Campus depends on these dedicated individuals, so we should consider their stories and origins of their commitment.
Lawrence Freeman operates one of the Crimson Ride’s buses, but before joining the fleet, he worked in fields such as human resources, computer programming and veterans’ affairs. Reflecting on almost two years into his career at the Capstone, he says that he decided to bring his background experience to campus and be a part of something “unique.”
“I admire the students, the collegiate factors within school and the staff here at the university,” Freeman said. “Those are things that brought me here.”
Freeman also included how he enjoys watching the growth of the students he drives around.
“I get a lot of freshmen on the bus, then they become juniors. Then they develop into adults and graduate,” Freeman said. “It’s just a unique experience to be a part of this, for sure.”
Other campus employees like Laciethra Jones, a cashier for Bama Dining, said that she can relate to the students, having had a child of her own who attended college. This experience allows her to connect with students beyond her seat at the cash register.
“I’ve had this experience with my son, so I know the steps and how it goes, and what he went through in his moment,” Jones said. “I let them know not to give up. Just keep doing what you do, and study hard. Education first, have fun, be safe.”
Vanessa Jemison, a student center busser of almost four years and more seasoned staff member at the University, said students are consistently respectful when greeting her.
“They have a whole lot of respect for older people,” she said. “That’s what I like about them.”
Jones also highlights this perspective, saying how respect and kindness goes a long way — not only for students, but for campus workers as well.
“Even as adults and workers, we go through things. So students coming in and speaking makes your day, because you never know what anybody is going through,” she said. “It’s been a pleasure, and I hope to continue to be here.”
