Since my first semester here at Davidson, the Union – especially the café level – has been my favorite place to both socialize and study. Over the past three years, I have gotten some new faces in Davis Café, but one of my favorites has been with my entire Davidson career: Andrea Rodriguez.
Andrea has worked in the Union for a total of six years, but she took a long hiatus to work in market research. Since the birth of her madly adorable daughter, Liliana, Andrea has become more interested in human services, and she will have her degree in December!
Andrea and her adorable daughter, Liliana
It was no surprise to me to learn that Andrea has a passion for mental health, social services, and advocacy. Her smile and genuine interest in my well-being has been a constant ray of sunlight since my freshman year. She quickly learned my name and never forgot it (embarrassingly, I am only now returning that favor).
One thing that was surprising to me was the fact that Andrea is not a native Southerner (her charm and hospitality fooled me)! Instead, she grew up in the Bay Area of California. Twelve years ago, she came out here to visit some family members and fell in love with North Carolina. She went back home, packed up her car, and drove across the country. Her sister gave her six months, but Andrea proved her wrong. Thankfully, she gets to go back to visit her whole family once a year.
Andrea works the day shift in the café, usually as cashier, but you can sometimes find her behind the deli bar. During our interview I discovered Andrea has some important messages for us:
1) She’s obsessed with the falafel special. We should all try it.
2) In regards to finals: She can always tell when it’s finals around here. Students will be at the register and say hello then walk away without paying because we are all so tired and anxious. Andrea believes that the atmosphere completely changes, but she says, “You’re gonna get through this.”
She has a bunch more inspiration where that came from. Trust me.
3) “Congrats to the class of 2015. I’m going to miss you.”
Andrea really loves the class of 2015, make sure to stop by the café to say goodbye before you leave!
Andrea is always going out of her way to ask students how they are doing, to notice a new hair cut/color, or to compliment them on their wardrobe. She says that the main reason why she’s here is because of us, the students. Andrea is more than willing to lend a student a shoulder to cry on. She believes that she and the rest of Davis Café staff are more than just a dining service that provides food. Most importantly, she and the other lovely Café employees are our mothers, friends, counselors, etc. They all deeply care about us, and I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to finally sit down with this week’s deserving Campus Celebrity, Andrea Rodriguez.