It’s the end of the week. For you, that could mean many things. For me, it means the end of week four of my Hebrew Intensive class. I am pleased to report that I am alive, and—despite some claims—actually capable of smiling still. Being Presbyterian, Hebrew and Greek are required for ordination. Some claim it’s to encourage lifelong personal education of the Bible. Some claim it’s just so Presbyterians have one more reason to feel superior to others. All I know is that one of my classmates is in the class b/c as a UCC member, he doesn’t like the thought that a Presbyterian would “one-up”/know more than him. While I am still very excited to learn Hebrew, at times I do find myself thinking about some simple solutions that would allow me to be more rested this summer. Usually this involves dropping Hebrew, changing denominations, and taking up tree-hugging. Then I remember that Hebrew used to be required for all Yale freshmen, my Puritan guilt comes into play (which Google must feel that I learned reading this book), I feel that I’m not living up to the standards of the school, and back to Hebrew I go.
All that goes to say that I’ve been busy of late, and so am only now starting another part of “Village on a Hill”. When I was a prospective/incoming student, the YDS website was helpful for finding pictures of various smiling professors and staff members. Very professional. But they pages didn’t tell me about the people as much as I would have liked. Take Jeremy Hultin for instance. He’s interested in “discourse” and is working on “obscene speech”. He went to Ohio State, the site says (which is INSANE because everyone knows it’s The Ohio State University. But what about his passions outside of the classroom? I didn’t know that he was an avid sportsman, loves to bike (and has a bike so great that even someone with no knowledge of bikes can see it’s pretty stellar) and all-around swell guy until I got here. Yale, take note: I think that’s important stuff to know!
So I’m on my one-person crusade to let you meet these people as people, not just as Deans, professors, custodial staff, IT specialists, etc. The first person I’m introducing you to is the one and only Patricia Ojeda. If you have been lost at YDS, chances are you’ve sought her services. She is the smiling, bubbly, ever-so-slightly-snarky-when-she-arches-her-eyebrow-because-you-did-something-silly woman at the front desk. Her actual title is “Office Assistant/Receptionist/Mailroom Director”. Really, she knows it all. So, below, a few extracts from an interview with THE Patricia Ojeda…
Q: How did you get to YDS, and why are you still here?
A: As part of a program from New Haven—which is now expired—called New Haven Resident Training Program. I graduated with a 2-year degree from Gateway. This (YDS) was one of the first places to pick from the program and I’m still here. I got here five years ago, and I love it. I love this environment, I love working directly with the students.
Q: Many people see your face first when they come to YDS. Does this make you the “Face of YDS”?
A: Am I the face of YDS? I feel I’m the first face, I have that connection of face-to-face. I’m not a teacher or dean so students can feel free and talk. Students will ask for help getting somewhere—getting ANYWHERE—and the staff is always here to help…even asking people where their shoes are*. So I’m not the “Face of YDS” but I am here to help and be a friendly face.
*remember the arched eyebrow look I mentioned? I hadn’t been wearing shoes for a few weeks, and so I earned the look. If you ever get the look, just remember that it comes from love.
Q: What advice do you have for students coming to YDS?
A: This is like a family. A big community, but a small family, and we help each other. Even though this is a work place for many of us, we’re still part of the family. Does the family always get along? Huh, no, you kidding me! There are some characters out there. But we’re still a family. Also, my favorite yogurt is Yoplait Light Orange Crème, and I recommend it.
Q: Following that up, what specific fashion advice would you give the incoming student who needs wardrobe assistance?
A: If you want to fit in, just be yourself. We like fashion statements. Wear a bright yellow mid-winter. Be you. Please don’t use shorts in the winter, or sandals in the middle of the winter. It’s cold.
Q: What should people call you during BTFO?
A: The Lady (laughs), or Pat or Patricia.
Q: What is the most pressing thing people need to know from you?
A: I am in charge of the mailroom and the lockers in the Commuter Lounge. Every student will get a mail box, and keys will be given out during BTFO. Keys are returned each summer, and there is a $25 fee for lost keys. For lockers, we have a limited number available, so priority is given to commuter students for lockers. We provide a padlock for them, and the lockers will be ready for pick the week of BTFO.
Q: Do you know everything?
A: Yes, and if I don’t then I find out. I got some connections…I always find the answer. Or if not, I can direct you.
Q: It seems that people come to you for assistance of any kind. What does your job NOT entail?
A: Checking final papers. People have asked, and I’m like ‘no, thank you’ and direct them to Micah Luce (of the Student Book Supply) instead. I’m more than happy to help you with The Spanish, though. Spanish is good. If you need help, people kinda practice their skills with me. The people who went to El Salvador, I had them on target. If they want to practice with me, or if not, I am here to help.
How good is your Spanish Alex?
Q: Muy mal. So what is the most odd question you have ever been asked?
A: Someone recently asked me where to get girls’ clothes for a guy.
Q: Can you tell us a bit more about yourself? What makes you you?
A: I have been married 11 years as of June 2, I have two sons- David and Dylan (4 and 5). David is the “I got things to do” kid and Dylan will be a heartbreaker. I was born in Puerto Rico, am ½ Cuban and Puertaricana, and have been here in New Haven 11 years.
Q: I have noticed that this summer you always have a bowl of Jolly Ranchers available. Usually, our Dean Peterson tries to have a lot of candy in his for people who need a pick-me-up. His is called The Candy Bowl (thus the name of this blog). But his has been empty of late. Are you a better bearer of the candy?
A: I will always try to have my candy bowl filled. I don’t want to be seen as competition for Dale’s Candy Bowl.
Q: But your bowl is filled and his is not, correct?
A: It’s that time of year, budgets start to get crunched.
Q: So are you saying you have better candy-budgeting skills than our Dean Peterson?
A: (an arched eyebrow and) You’d be surprised. I still got Jolly Ranchers.
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