BY KEVIN FORD, student reporter
Another day goes by, but something separates this day from any other day the past month it seems. The cafeteria doors are heavy as usual. The weight of the entrance door resembles that of a large safe inside a bank. Each square foot of the room is cleared of chairs and tables.
The serving mechanism is with Styrofoam cups and plates for take-out food service. The appearance of more than a couple students shows some extra empty stomachs are looking to fill their appetites.
For some, that appetite was filled with money, thanks to the government-issued stimulus checks.
The head manager of Chartwells at the school cafeteria approached the serving area with a calm stroll and a gleeful smile after the last remaining students in line received plates.
“My stimulus check dropped this morning; can’t complain about that at all,” he said.
The woman behind the counter looked back at him with wide eyes and a relieving sigh.
“Mine dropped too, much needed, but I am still broke,” the woman said, laughing in response.
In response, the man giggled quietly as his face turned a bit red. The woman behind the counter looked around laughing giddily, as if to make sure someone else felt the same way about the stimulus check the government issued tax-filers on Wednesday morning. Some people received their money through direct deposits, while others got to see a short greeting from President Donald J. Trump.
“I think it’s very helpful, but for people in larger cities, maybe not as much,” the woman told her manager after she finished mixing wings in zesty Buffalo sauce.
“It is certainly harder for people without employment,” the manager responded.
The cafeteria spread some infectious energy, despite the reality of the pandemic. It is good to see other people find joy in seeing others in the same area and incorporate some laughter together.