Q: What is it like working at Algonquin?

A: I love working here. It is the best job I have ever had in all my life. I try to do my best to give back whatever they [the administration] give me.

Q: What is your responsibility?

A: The cafeteria [is my responsibility] and to help wherever I am needed.

Q: Do you like the cafeteria?

A: I like it. I get to see everyone every day. We do help each other. Seven to ten [in the morning] I do anything… halls and helping clean.

Excerpt from “A toast to John the Janitor”

“What sets John apart from the rest of the talented janitorial staff is his good humor and charm.  Always a gentleman, holding doors open as we flee from the biting cold, or pushing wastebaskets aside so that students can safely traverse the cafeteria, his chivalry knows no bounds.  One time, as I sat at lunch, he overheard me telling a “questionable” joke.  Instead of bringing down the heavy hammer of justice, he merely gave me a disapproving shake of the head.  Sensing my fear and disappointment, he smiled, and just said, in his Portuguese-inflected accent, something like: “Hey, watch it with that stuff.”  It was his fine combination of ethical balance and friendliness that both taught me a lesson and made me feel less guilty at the same time.  That’s not all, though.  I see John cracking jokes with teachers, administration, fellow janitors, and especially the students.  This hard-working noble individual goes out of his way to make sure that the students of Algonquin are almost as happy as he is.”