CREDIT: ERIKA FAUST
Najat Lazar (left) and Becky Molly share a smile in the D caf.

For the past three years, I have been a student at Fanshawe College. Through those years, I have been a customer at Oasis, a regular at Tim Hortons, and a sucker for the butter pecan tarts in the Southwest Café. I can't help but mention that while I've been at Fanshawe, I've managed to throw out my garbage, use the washroom facilities, and walk the various hallways of the college as well. I highlight these services and conditions because there is an incredible group of people at Fanshawe College who help to keep the butter pecan tarts fresh, the coffee hot and ready to go, and the general areas of the college clean and enjoyable. This group of people are the service workers within the College — the unsung heroes — who go about their jobs with dignity, honour and humility. For the next five issues of Interrobang, I will be focusing in on a handful of the service providers at Fanshawe College, because after all, if it wasn't for the person who ensured your coffee was hot and ready for you, or the person who cleaned the washroom facilities on a regular basis, would Fanshawe College really be the great institution it is? I don't think so.

This week, I will be highlighting Najat Lazar, a woman who I am sure many of you recognize from her warm smiles, friendly personality and kind heart.

Approximately a month ago, I entered a contest through the wearLove organization, which has the motto “Put love on, and wear it out.” The organization encourages people to be authentic, unique, and demonstrate love in their daily actions. The contest asked for applicants to submit a short story about a person they felt wore love out through their daily interactions. I couldn't think of anyone better than Najat, and happily entered. As one of the chosen recipients, I received a tshirt from the organization, which was to be given to Najat. On February 21, I had an opportunity to sit down with Najat and share this story with her.

Originally from Syria, Najat came to London, Ontario in the 1970s with her parents and siblings, and has remained here ever since. She has worked at Fanshawe College as a custodial care worker for the past 31 years, in which 21 of those years comprised of working through the night, or late into the evening. I believe this is an accurate representation of her extremely hard work ethic and dedication to her job duties and the college in general. When asked what has motivated her to remain within the college for such a long time, she shot me a smile and commented that, “The college has always been good to me — very polite, respectful, and supportive.”

As our conversation continued, Najat shared with me a few stories in which it was clear that she went above and beyond the call of duty. For example, oftentimes when Najat found herself cleaning near the Sharing Shop in B Building, she would scoot into the room and vacuum the carpet; not because it was on her list of things to do, but because she felt that it was worth time out of her already busy schedule. She also reflected on times in which she had entered into the Sharing Shop to pick up various clothing items for students who she has seen are in need. When asked why she does these sorts of things, she simply stated, “It is not my business, but I do it anyways.” I think this just goes to show Najat's personality and sheer love, commitment and care for not only the buildings at Fanshawe College, but the services and students that fill them.

As I wrapped up a delightful half an hour with Najat, I reassured her then, and want to take the time to reassure her again, that her efforts and contribution to Fanshawe College goes anything but unnoticed. She is a valued, dedicated and essential part of the institution, and truly is an unsung hero. I highly encourage you as a reader to say hello to Najat when you see her in the hallway. I assure you, she will always find time to dive into a warm-hearted, pleasurable, and meaningful conversation with you.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.