Connecting across the dinner table…

At dinnertime across the country, the young and the young at heart share the stories of their days.  It’s no different at the Wyndemere Senior Living Campus where a team of high school and college students serve as wait staff in Wyndemere’s resident dining room. “Our residents adore the students and ask them about their prom dates and other big events in their lives,” said Mitch Ashcroft, Director of Dining Services.  “Our student staff loves serving and talking with our residents.  For some of them, it provides a connection with older people that they might not otherwise have in their lives.”

That’s the case for Dan Lopez, a student at College of DuPage, who has worked in Wyndemere’s dining room for four years.  “I only have one grandparent, so I enjoy talking with the residents and helping to make them happy,” said Dan.  “It’s a fun atmosphere to work in and I’ve heard some great World War II airstrike stories.”

Dan’s commitment to his job and to Wyndemere’s residents goes beyond his everyday duties.  After learning the Hymlick maneuver through Wyndemere’s employee training program, he was able to make use of his new skill to assist a resident who was choking.  “I’m just glad that I was there to help,” said Dan.

For Kyle Arnold, a second-year automotive technology student at the College of DuPage, working on the Wyndemere wait staff has been a family affair.  “My older brother worked at Wyndemere and my great-grandparents lived here at one time,” said Kyle.  “I love coming to work every day and talking with the residents.  My favorite time of year is Halloween, when both the residents and staff have fun by dressing up in costumes.  I was ‘Elvis’ this year, but I didn’t serenade the residents.”

Sometimes the students’ experience in the Wyndemere dining room builds more than their relationships with residents…sometimes it expands their career options. “I’ve enjoyed working at Wyndemere over the past seven years,” said Adam Valadez, who attended Northern Illinois University and majored in history.  “Now, I’ll be working in Wyndemere’s dining services area as a full-time assistant manager. Sometimes, after work is finished, I’ll sit on the couch and just talk with the residents.  I’ve made some great friends!” said Adam.