The Friendships Behind the Job

 

A: I worked 13 and a half years at the Wauwatosa School District. I was a custodian at two elementary schools. I had a lot of responsibilities, not only just cleaning the building, but I had groups that I had to take care of at night, in addition to the security of the building before I went home. So when I came over here, I felt like I was well equipped to help take care of the building.

One day I was sitting at the Wauwatosa Public Library on milwaukeejobs.com and this job came up. I’m not technology-savvy, and it said to send your resume and cover letter over to the school. That morning, I had taken my daughter to the airport to fly out to Seattle, so my tech person was gone. I got all the hard copies, and I ran over here. I remember (Administrative Assistant) Dawn Hathaway and I gave them to her. (Principal) Dan Quesnell was standing in the background, and I didn’t know him and he didn’t know me and he said, “Thank you for your interest.” I remember it like it was yesterday.

 

A: In a way it was easier because I was always one who wiped down things anyway. That pretty much stayed the same. But with everything shut down — no theatre, no volleyball games, no basketball games, President’s Dinner, Grandparents Day — you can go on and on. It just didn’t happen. It kind of got boring. Next year, it’s going to be full blast again.

 

A: It makes your job easier and the work atmosphere better. I’m also single; I’m an empty nester all by myself. So when I come to work, I have someone to talk to.

In fact, one time (former Foundations & Corporate Relations Officer) Frank Miller paid me a nice compliment. He said, “You would have been a good salesman,” because I like to gab, but he said, “you’re too nice.” They would have walked all over me. I would have not gotten a good deal for the company.

 

A: I’m sad I’m leaving because I enjoy the people I work with. I also enjoy when new people come aboard. I’ve worked in schools so long, so I try to give them a heads up of what’s happening. Just a heads up on what’s going on in the building.

 

A: Coming from the environment of Wauwatosa working at elementary schools to an all-girls high school, it was great to see how the girls interacted with one another. I thought the staff cared and were concerned about the girls. They wanted to get the girls in the right direction. The staff here tries and does the best job.

A: I can just tell that the mission here is that everyone should love one another, take care of, and help one another.

 

A: I loved interacting with (former Dean of Students) Ruby Brock, DSHA ’92, and the everyday interaction with the teachers. They, I think, enjoy me and I enjoy them.

A: I am an avid bicyclist. I see people I know on the Menomonee River Parkway. Because of the schools that I’ve worked at in my life, the two biggest elementary schools in Wauwatosa and here, I will go to Sendik’s on North Avenue and I can almost bet the farm that I’m going to run into somebody I know.

I am planning on volunteering at Fr. Gene’s Help Center. I also might go to the VA hospital to see if I could wheel around patients or help out somehow.

Now that I don’t have to work second shift, I enjoy sports. Hopefully Aaron Rodgers will be with the Packers this year so I can see the Packers on Monday night with him quarterbacking, and see the World Series and things I missed working second shift.

JIM BEAVER AT-A-GLANCE