It was about five minutes past mid- night in the HAWC when Miriam rushed over to me. This was her lunch break. I tried my best to wipe the sleep from my eyes and appear just as perky and lively as the Sodexo employee was. I was about to inter- view the most enthusiastic, popular and beloved employee at Pepperdine and didn’t want to miss a beat.
Miriam is stationed at the HAWC cafe, the late-night agora that serves as a campus watering hole, and as she sat down, she apologized for running a few minutes late — she had been catching up with a student. Miriam loves the students, and they love her.
She generously offered to share her dinner as we settled down, which I obliged, as it was a midnight snack for me. And we quickly eased into conversation. 
Currents: Miriam, you’ve been at Pepperdine for a few years now. Have you always worked this late-night shift in the HAWC?
Miriam: Yes, I have. I’ve been here for three years. I usually work 6:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.
C: How do you feel about working this night shift?
M: I love it. It works out great for my schedule and me with my three kids Anthony, Carmen and Arturo.
C: That’s amazing. In the years that you’ve worked here, do you have a standout, favorite memory from the HAWC?
M: I don’t think I can pick just one. I would have to say that as a whole, its been incredible to watch the students here grow up. They come in as freshmen and learn a lot about themselves, and I see them year from year growing more mature. It’s so nice to see the same students every day, how they’ll come into the HAWC all stressed out from their day, and then leave relaxed after some food, some company, and some talking.
C: And I’m positive that the students look forward to seeing you each night, too. Do you have a favorite thing about the HAWC and working here?
M: Definitely customer service. I love being able to help the students out and be accommodating to them. Sometimes just being friendly and helpful can make their day.
C: You probably see a lot of crazy things that students do go on in the HAWC. Do you have one memory that sticks out to you?
M: Mmm, yes. One time, a girl dropped a glass bottle, and it went everywhere. I didn’t want her to feel bad about herself, so I helped her clean everything up, and I wasn’t angry. I think she was surprised. I sprayed some perfume to freshen the HAWC up and told her not to worry.
As we chatted, a young man slid into the seat next to Miriam and hugged her, and I could tell that he was one of the students she was referring to when she said she loved watching us grow up. It was clear they had known each other for a while. He introduced himself as Jared Jackson, and I decided to involve him in our conversation as well.
C: Jared, I can tell that you and Miriam are pretty close. How did this happen?
Jared: I don’t know, I guess I would just stop by the HAWC a lot, especially during my freshman year. Just like, in the middle of the day to chat and to relieve stress. She’s comforting.
C: Miriam, students here truly value your presence at Pepperdine; Jared is just one testament to that. How does that make you feel?
M: Well, when kids come to college, they’re away from home. They’re home- sick. I just act like a mom to these kids, when they come in late at night, tired and stressed. I talk to them and listen to what they have to say. I wouldn’t have a job if it weren’t for the students; I am thankful for them.
C: How do you think Pepperdine would be without the HAWC?
M: The kids would have no place to really hang out. There would be no place to get food at night and just be with your friends. Huge crowds of kids come during Greek Life rush weeks and Songfest season since they all have late nights. They would have nowhere to go and relax after a long day. We need the HAWC for their sake.
C: Do you think that your time at Pepperdine has taught you anything?
M: Definitely patience. Patience and tolerance. Everyone is coming from a different place with a different story; all of the students are away from home. I’ve also learned to not take any rude comments personally. I just ignore those things; again, you don’t know what that student is going through.
C: Miriam, you are considered one of the most beloved members of the Pepperdine community. Everyone either knows you or wants to know you. Would you like to comment on that?
M: Well, I just do my job, and that job involves being around people and being considerate of their wants and needs. I always say to treat people the way that you want to be treated. I use that philosophy here in the HAWC.
C: And now, one last question for you Miriam; what is your favorite food at the HAWC? And what is the student favorite?
M: Ahhh, well, I love the chicken cibatta sandwich. It’s my favorite. But I think that students love the chicken tenders. We always run out of those on busy nights.
Miriam had finished her dinner, and it was just about time for her to head back to work. She was beaming by the end of the interview. She told me to stop back in soon to chat. It might’ve been past midnight, but I could now see why students were crazy about the HAWC at hours like this: they had Miriam to brighten up their days (or rather, nights). Miriam was worth being a night owl for.
Photos by: Marisa Padilla
