What’s better than getting out of your class on Tuesday afternoon, stomach growling, finally heading over to the Farmer’s Market to get your favorite PB&J sandwich and salad just how you like it? Seeing Miss Terri’s shining face at the top of the staircase. Her bright smile and ecstatic personality is sure to make not only the meal you’ve been craving better, but your day as well.
Terri La-Rae Parsons began working for High Point University three years ago after a friend introduced her to Aramark food services and she decided to fill out an application. Miss Terri, as students call her, spent the first two years working at The Bakery and this year she began working at the brand new Farmer’s Market. With each year working here, Miss Terri’s fan base drastically increases. This year a Facebook fan page was created to recognize this campus-wide celebrity. “I feel honored and appreciate that the students built the page. I go on and read it every day, but I don’t add to it. I can do that in person,” said Miss Terri.
You can find Miss Terri greeting students, swiping passport cards, and making quick conversation every afternoon. When asked if she prefers working at the Farmer’s Market over The Bakery, Miss Terri responded, “Yes, I do. Number one, I wanted to work for Miss Ashley and number two, I knew that a new restaurant with local, organic, farm-fresh foods would attract more students than any other restaurant on campus.”
Just like the rest of us, you’re probably wondering how Miss Terri does it. How is she so happy and delightful every single day? “You know what? When I see you students get to the top of the stairs, the smiles on their faces and not just that, it’s the rapport between students and I. I find that students here are highly intelligent, entertaining, thoughtful, happy. I know they have good days, bad days, and wish-I-was-in-bed days and I like to make their days joyful,” Miss Terri said.
Miss Terri’s loving personality doesn’t stop at the Farmer’s Market counter. If she won the lottery, you guessed it, she would give back to others. “I would build two places similar to HPU; one would be an old folks home and the other would be a children’s home. Then I’d go to California or bust,” Miss Terri said with a grin.
Miss Terri teaches students that a little smile and kindness can go a long way. So with the holiday season in the air, don’t forget to remind her how much what she does is appreciated. Tell her next time you go to get lunch, write on the Facebook page, give her an extra big smile, anything to show you care.