In a new series on the Vanderbilt Instagram account, students can get to know some of the dedicated staff who play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for them. The first installment featured Charlene McPherson, a beloved cashier at Rand Dining Hall, who has been a part of the Vanderbilt community for 15 years.
Stay tuned for more Q&A sessions with the staff members of Vanderbilt, whose daily efforts are fundamental in shaping positive experiences for the entire university community.
Watch Charlene answer students’ questions here:
What do you want students to know about Campus Dining?
We just want it to be your home away from home. That’s what we want.
What life motto/advice do you have for undergraduates?
Always keep hopeful and just stick with it, no matter what.
What is your favorite Randwich combination?
That would be, turkey and bacon and lettuce, cheese and just plain.
What is your favorite campus meal?
I like the Mediterranean food too. And the Mexican bowls are good. It’s really all good!
What is your favorite thing about Vanderbilt?
And the students. By far, the students.
How do you keep a positive attitude every day?
It’s the students again. They’re just full of energy. They’re just starting out, and they have a lot of energy, and they’re working really hard and achieving their goals. It’s nice to see that.
What is your favorite quote?
It’s by Aristotle. It says that we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit. (It’s something close to that!)
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to read, a lot!
