More Than Just a Meal

Have you ever thought about what makes a college dining hall more than just a place to eat? As the shiny glass doors open, students going to Scranton Commons Dining Hall are immediately greeted by the sound of conversations happening, dishes clanking, and people moving around the open space. When thinking of a dining hall most people just think about food, but there is so much more that goes into this amazing space on campus. 

Example of a meal from Commons

When students get to Commons they are welcomed by a friendly worker at the front desk to help them swipe their Bloomsburg ID, allowing them to enter the Dining Hall. Smells of the variety of food options fill the air as you enter and make your way further into the Dining Hall and different food stations fill the room. To the left there is a grill station with perfectly grilled chicken, grilled cheese, fries, and more. Next to that is a salad bar stocked with fresh lettuces and a multitude of toppings. To the right is a balanced meal station with healthier options, and a drink station with a mix of sodas, water, and tea. Lastly,  the dessert station filled with sweet treats, ice cream and the very popular chocolate chip cookies always fresh out of the oven. Straight ahead is an Italian kitchen with delicious pizza, creamy pasta, and crispy garlic bread. And of course there are a combination of tables, chairs, and booths spread all throughout the large space where students can sit and enjoy their meal. 

But Scranton Commons is more than just delicious food. When you walk in your eyes are immediately drawn to the beautiful lights hanging from the ceiling creating warm light. The space is very open with large windows allowing natural light to fill the room as well. The walls are a mix of tans and browns and the floor is a combination of tile and hardwood the shade of oak. All of these characteristics make the dining hall feel natural and calm, making it a space where students can feel welcome and at home. Commons is a space ment for students to socialize, destress, and hangout outside of going to class. 

Students going to all the stations

There is so much that goes into the dining hall that students don't see. Karl, a tall middle aged man dressed in a black polo and matching black pants, is a food server at the dining hall and has been working there for a few years. "The staff works super hard to keep things running smoothly," he exclaimed. Karl smiled as he went on, "We spend lots of time making food and then cleaning up." Karl explained that what a lot of students don't see is that behind the dish return conveyer belt are hardworking staff members who make sure every dish is perfectly washed and brought back to its station for the next student. He also went on to tell me about how they keep all the food stocked so they have enough to feed everyone. 

"Next Customer in line,  please!" Karl says to the line of students waiting for tacos. 

"Hello!" a student says while finally making her way to the front of the line, "Can I please have two with everything?" she continued. 

Karl replied, "Of course," and made the student her order. He quickly made the tacos and handed the plate to the student, "Enjoy!" He said, then repeated the process with the next student. 

I'm telling this story because it shows how students should interact with dining hall workers. They put in so much work behind the scenes to make sure we feel comfortable, at home, and are getting good meals. Karl is just one example of these workers. 

While talking with Karl, he reminisced on why he enjoys working at Commons. When asked about his favorite part about working there, he answered honestly and said, "Interacting with the students." He looked happy as he continued, "I enjoy watching students have fun and interact with each other." 

The dining hall gets the busiest during the lunch and dinner time rushes. Students move all around the space in different directions. Some know exactly what they want, while others look around at the different options. Some come alone and others with groups of friends. Being in the dining hall at this time might feel overwhelming for some, but for Karl he thinks, "the dining hall feels alive at these times." 

Entrance to Scranton Commons

The dining hall is a place where students can come to eat, hang out, and even get school work done while they eat. It is a central place on campus for students to feel welcome and that is exactly the vibe of Scranton Commons. Students come and go all day and the staff puts in so much effort to make sure everything runs smoothly. 

So next time you are thinking about the dining hall, don't think of it as just a place to get a meal. Think about it as a place where conversations happen, friends hangout, staff works hard, and most of all a place where everyone is welcome. The dining hall is a wonderful place for students and is a major part of life on campus.