When Debbie Shea first began working at the College in 1997, she started out as a dishwasher and waitress for weddings held in the Faculty House. Today, she’s a familiar presence in Driscoll Dining Hall, known for her warm smile and easy rapport with students. Last Friday, she marked 29 years at the College.

Debbie still remembers her first day on the job as a waitress. “I was very nervous,” she said. When she approached one of the tables to pour wine, the couple thanked her warmly, and that small moment stuck with her. “They said, ‘You’re doing just fine. You’re the only waitstaff that’s smiling,’” she said.

From her first position at the Faculty House, Debbie moved on to Baxter — the space that is now known as Paresky — as a dishwasher and general helper before landing in her current position in Driscoll as a cook’s assistant in 2005.

Reflecting on her time at the College, Debbie emphasized that the people, especially the students, remained central to her enjoyment of the work. “I love interacting with the students,” she said.

In Driscoll, those interactions are often small, everyday moments. Students ask for recommendations, check what’s available on the line, or come to her when something runs out. “They’ll say, ‘Debbie, what’s good for dinner?’” she said. “If they need something, they know they can come and ask me.”

For many students, those small interactions leave a lasting impression. Katie Erikson ’26 said her friendship with Debbie began with simple greetings in the dining hall, but gradually grew into something more meaningful. “Every time I see her, we always update each other on our lives,” she said. Erikson recounted a particularly special memory of reconnecting with Debbie after returning from studying abroad. “It was our first reunion,” Erikson said. “It just meant a lot to me that she remembered me. We were talking about how crazy it is that I’m a senior … it meant a lot to me that it meant something to her.”

Erikson added that Debbie shows genuine care and openness toward students. “She’s just incredibly easy to talk to,” she said. “She truly brightens up Driscoll.”

Debbie said these connections are what make her work feel meaningful. Over the years, she has come to see many of the students she encounters each day as more than just familiar faces. “They are your kids in a way … that’s how I feel sometimes,” she said.

That sense of care shapes how she approaches her role in the dining hall. Whether it is helping a student find something to eat, answering questions, or simply checking in, Debbie said she tries to create a welcoming environment. “I don’t want any kid going away not eating,” she said. “If they need something, I’ll get it for them.”

Beyond the interpersonal aspect of her job, Debbie noted that the work itself can be physically demanding. “I’m on my feet all day,” she said. “There’s a lot of lifting.” Even so, Debbie emphasized that she continues to enjoy her role. “I still appreciate my job,” she said. “I’m still proud to be here.”

After nearly three decades at the College, Debbie said she plans to stay for a few more years before retiring. The prospect of leaving, however, is bittersweet. “I will miss the kids,” she said.