1 minute read
behind the mail
For Vasiliades,working early mornings is not an inconvenience, it is just something that comes with the job. After years of self-employment, as he calls it, be is more than happy to have a job he truly enjoys and loves. He actually wishes this job was here 20 years ago.
He has seen a lot and done even more in his 63 years of life. His first memorable job was in the military as a medic in an army hospital, which was "something different."
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An early stint in the post office was short-lived for Sam, who did not like having to work indoors in a confined setting. What then followed was a series of odd jobs in a variety of careers. "When you are young and single, you just don't give a damn, and jobs were easy to find," Vasiliades said.
Vasiliades is not an easy man to track down. If you pay attention, you may see him in 10 different places a day, but never in the same place twice. Besides being part of the job, this energy is a reflection of his love of variety and being outdoors.
Also reflected in his work is his love of the students at Cabrini College, particularly those who work with him in the mailroom. "I get the credit that the kids deserve. Without them I wouldn't be here," Vasiliades said.
Despite his modesty, the consensus among his coworkers is that the mailroom would fall apart without him. Whereas the college used to employ two full-time mailroom workers, now it is just him and the "kids."
Among the workers that Vasiliades fondly remembers is Steve Murray of the English/communications department, who was "a hell of a worker." Another worker he misses is recent graduate John Mack, who installed the current mailroom computer system. His fondness for his co-workers is more than returned by his current employees. Junior Shannon Downs feels that "Sam is one of the few people around who cares about the students, and he always gives you a straight answer."
For Vasiliades the top reward of the job is not the pay or the benefits, but the enjoyment of working. "Being around young people everyday makes me think young," said Sam.
