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| Left to right: Lesa Holleman,
Charis Larson, Sandy Palmatter, Kristen McDonald, Brittney DeRoos,
Rita Ouwinga |
Sandy Palmatter grew up in Hastings, Mich. She’s married with two
kids and a grandson. She began working at Calvin January 2, 2001. Palmatter
and her husband were working in Michigan City and things weren’t
working out. She saw a little ad in the paper and applied for the job.
“I knew from the first interview I had the job,” said Palmatter.
“There are some things that are meant to be.”
Palmatter is the building services supervisor for the Fieldhouse, pool
and engineering buildings. She is responsible for a broad range of duties,
including 20-25 students who work for her. Five of those students are
on the women’s basketball team — seniors Rita Ouwinga, Kristen
McDonald, Lesa Holleman, Brittney DeRoos, and freshman Charis Larson.
The winter season is the busiest for Palmatter. She works 3 to 11 p.m.
every day and comes in Saturday if there’s an event at the Fieldhouse.
Most of the girls work the 9 to 11 p.m. shift.
“I’m in the right building. I like the sports,” Palmatter
said. “I like the busyness. It’s just not the same without
the students.”
According to Palmatter the best part of her job is working with the
students. She says that no matter what, there is always something for
everyone to do.
“Even the ones that you think might not fit in find their niche,”
said Palmatter.
“Even when you think everything has been done, she finds some job
for you to do,” said DeRoos. “She never gives us jobs we cannot
handle!” said Holleman.
Palmatter loves teaching every aspect of the job. Her theory is that
you never know where life is going to take you, so it’s important
that you learn all you can.
“Someday their major might not work out. Stripping the floors might
come in handy,” said Palmatter.
“I’ve learned how to change paper towels, use a pressure
washer and how to test the pool water,” said Holleman.
“I have learned responsibility and the value of time management.
Managing school work, basketball and a part-time job can be hectic at
times but it also keeps me accountable and on schedule,” said DeRoos.
“Sandy’s great. She cares about what’s going on in
your life. She’s a boss, but more importantly a friend!” said
Larson. “We don’t just talk work stuff. She supports us and
is always good for a joke or a laugh.”
“The best part of the job is when we get our work done, and we
chat about what’s going on in our lives and about basketball,”
said Mc Donald. “She cares about all of us and it shows.”
Surprisingly, Palmatter can’t find the hardest part of her job.
“I haven’t found the hard part yet. There’s no stress
in the job.”
“Nothing is bad about this job. Maybe moving the bleachers from
the baseball fields to the gym,” said Larson. “That was an
experience.”
Palmatter loves sports and loves supporting the girls in their activities.
“I love watching sports. I made the effort to go to all the softball,
volleyball and basketball away games so the girls don’t think that
I just have to be there because I’m working,” said Palmatter.
“It’s for the whole team. It does something for their self-esteem.” |
