Author's note: This column is typically written collectively by Cornell Dining Student Workers. This week, one student worker shares a personal reflection on what it feels like to stand behind the serving line. 

There is something very lonely about my job. I see and serve hundreds of people a day, but there is something you must understand: When you’re standing behind the line, you are separated from the swarm of hungry students. You are branded by your itchy hat and pokey nametag as a server to your Cornellian clientele. They stick their plates at you silently, staring with their hands outstretched and their eager eyes demanding more chicken. This uniform makes you different. It makes you feel alone.

We all learn at some point that you can feel lonely even when you’re surrounded by people, and here, I feel very overlooked while I am being looked at. And that’s just by the typical student. The bad students complain about the food options or quality (OK, I didn’t make the food?), demand more than the portions we’re allowed to give (you don’t need seven drumsticks, I promise) and ask for refunds (?!). I don’t really blame the students who complain. I’m sure........

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