The People of McMahon
The People of McMahon Photographs and Interviews by Leyla Arici
McMahon is one of the dining halls on campus at the University of Connecticut. I have worked there for almost a year now and during the last few weeks of my first semester I decided to do a documentary project on the establishment and people that make it run. I wanted to shed light on a part of campus that does not get much recognition or thought. To the students that go to this school and those who don’t, this project will reflect the familial atmosphere at McMahon and show a “behind the scenes” look of what happens in a dining hall and the people who work there. Within this work, I tried to represent all aspects of the dining hall, even the aspects that aren’t as appetizing because that’s the truth. For that reason, I captured a series of portraits, action shots, and photos of the environment to truly reveal what it’s like working at McMahon. I also did a series of interviews with many of the chefs, student workers, and area managers. An underlying phrase I picked up on within each of these interviews was, “the people”, with many of the workers mentioning that what makes them stay at the end of the day are the people and the friendships they’ve formed within the establishment. So, above all else I tried to photograph the people that so many said make them stay and make the place as successful as it is. This collection is imperfect and something I want to explore further, however, these images hold a special place in my heart and are gathered together in this book with the purpose of being shared. Leyla
“I love to work with kids. I love to serve them food, I feel like they’re my kids because I have three daughters and four grandkids and I love them, I love them all. And I cook from my heart, not because they pay me, no I cook from my heart.” Maria
“I started working here because I would like to become a chef. Eventually, in the long run, I would like to own my own Peruvian/Americanized restaurant. I mean working at McMahon I’m just trying to get the experience and the feel of what it’s like to work in a kitchen so that eventually I’ll know what I’m doing as the head chef of a restaurant.” Louis
“I chose McMahon because it’s so conveniently located and I thought the sense of community within the staff was really there. Everyone is so friendly and it’s really just a big family here as opposed to what I’ve seen at other dining halls. After starting working here I actually found that I like working here even though it may seem like a gross or boring job, it’s really fun especially with the people you’re surrounded with, both student workers and the full time staff.” Magda
“As a supervisor, being able to interact with as many students as I can, get to know as many people as I can, get to know what people’s lives are like, is what I love the most about working here. Cause like up to this point, because I’m a commuter, I’ve known the same people for 18 years of my life, and for the past 2 to 3 years it’s been interesting to hear about more people’s backgrounds, their lives, majors, what makes them do what they want to do, and stuff like that.” Logan
“I started working here because I went to culinary school and I love to cook and I thought it was something different from a restaurant which is super crazy hard work. This was better hours, better pay and benefits which I really need because I have multiple sclerosis (MS) and our benefits here are amazing. Not that working here isn’t hard, but at a restaurant you always have to be on top of everything and at least here I have coworkers who understand and can help me out if I need it. (. . .) I love McMahon specifically, because I was at the Student Union in which I use to cook a lot more home made stuff, but then I came here and it’s like real cooking. We all get our own recipes and it’s very personal to us, and you can put your own little spin on it which I love. Also, I love the students because they keep me young. And of course I love my people and coworkers.” Katie
“The people here are amazing. That’s the big thing here for me. Everyone treats each other like family and we’re all happy just working.” Anonymous
“I like cooking in front of the public. Cooking for other people is my favorite thing.� Raj
“To present and plate the food to people all around the world and receive appreciation for something that I’ve cooked is the best feeling and what I love the most about working here.� Susan
“Honestly, I started working here for job security, but also I’ve always been in the kitchen cooking with my parents. My mom was a really good cook so I’m trying to adopt the same skills and passion for it. Eventually I want to own my own little cafe. I want it to be like an italian bistro, one side crepes and the other side pastries, chocolate, and coffee. Right now, I’m trying to take more business classes, I have my associates degree but I want to get my bachelors in a couple years.” Michelle
“The staff is kind of like family, they all treat each other like brother’s and sister’s: they make fun of each other but they’re there for each other if you need them.” Anonymous
“My favorite part about working at Mcmahon would have to be the people. The job is fun but at the end of the day it’s the people and friendships and connections that I’ve made here that make me stay.” Nick