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This week I have decided to devote my column to someone that makes a big impact on my life everyday. She helps feed me. It may not sound like a lot, but it definitely falls under the headings of important and critical. This woman is none other than The Retreat’s Hostess, Jackie Carroll.
She’s the type of person who always remembers your name, and inquires as to what your friends are up to that night if they happen to not accompany you. She is a sort of grandmotherly figure that is important to have available, particularly to those of us who are away from home. She makes The Retreat feel like a homely, comfortable place to be. I have always appreciated that, and it has always gone without saying.
That is, until this year’s Homecoming. She was voted Faculty Homecoming Queen this year thanks to a large group of students who appreciate the work she does every night for them. It was satisfying to see that happen for her, because so often the people who are so nice to you day in and day out, when they don’t necessarily have to be, go underappreciated. It felt good to be able to show her how much we appreciate her.
I could write about how much that experience meant to her here, but it would be empty. I am not her, and so it wouldn’t mean as much even if the words I wrote were the exact ones she would say. Thankfully, Jackie was willing to speak for herself. So today I will end my column with her open letter:
“When I learned that I had been nominated for the Homecoming Royalty Court I felt both excited and honored. It was an amazing week for me. Some students came into the Retreat on Thursday before the week of Homecoming and told me I had to be at Irving Gym on the following Monday night at 7:00pm, and to make sure I got that night off work. I talked to Polly, my manager, she took care of it, and I was able to go.
At Homecoming, I got to meet some of the faculty and see students with their smiling faces. I was really surprised when my name was called for Queen. It was such an honor to be nominated, but then to be crowned was the most exciting thing that has happened to me in a long time. I got to wear a tiara and sit on the back of a convertible for the first time in my life. However, the best part of the parade was hearing the students cheer for me as I waved to them along the way.
I also got to go to dinners served by the people of Ball State University Dining(which were outstanding), and meet the entire Homecoming Royal Court. But, the most exciting time by far, was at the football game at half-time when Todd Porter and I were introduced at half-time. The cheers of the students were wonderful and made me tear up.
I just want the students, faculty, and staff to know how exciting that week was for me, and how much I appreciate all of your votes. Thank you all for a most wonderful experience, and an exciting time.” --Jackie Carroll
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