If you're venturing through D building, you may find yourself tempted to grab that quick coffee from Tim Hortons. Not only is it the smell of the coffee beans or the sight of sprinkle-covered donuts, it's the people that are standing behind the counter ready to serve you that makes the temptation even more worthwhile.

Jeries Basir, the lead hand at this specific Tim Hortons location, continually finds a way to not only connect with the students and staff at Fanshawe College, but encourage them to return due to his kind nature and friendly interactions. When you buy a coffee from Basir, you're not only getting a hot cup of coffee, you benefit from the chance for a worldly conversation and perspective, and a warm smile to top the experience off.

For the past six years, Basir has been employed with Compass Group Canada in Food Services at Fanshawe College. Prior to working at Tim Hortons, he spent a short time working in the book store. He commented that he loves interacting with the people at Fanshawe, and has the pleasure of connecting with everyone from students to staff to security officers. On top of the various interactions that Basir has on a daily basis, he also mentioned that the atmosphere at Fanshawe College is fantastic, and he thoroughly enjoys the peace and harmony that prevails throughout the campus.

Due to the multicultural atmosphere that Fanshawe proudly offers, Basir mentioned that it allows him to “meet with people from all over the world without appointment.” Originally from Palestine, where Basir taught as a music teacher, he is aware of the differences between his home country and Canada, and is able to share his language and background, as he continually learns from other students about their respective culture and language as well. As Basir continues to build positive rapports with various students and staff, he commented that he always enjoys the opportunities to answer culturally relevant questions. I think this clearly demonstrates that for Basir, it goes beyond serving a simple cup of coffee and becomes an opportunity to share perspective, learn something new and exchange a few smiles that will hope to brighten students' days as well as his own. In regards to the connection between Canada and Basir's home country, he commented that “I hope that soon my country will be established and be able to live in peace with its neighbours and with harmony with the world, the same way we live and share life here at Fanshawe College in this beautiful country of Canada.”

When I asked Basir what he thought about being an unsung hero within the walls of Fanshawe, he was humble and quiet about the acknowledgement, but showed much gratitude towards the title. At the end of the day, it is clear that Basir does not provide respectful and professional service simply for a title or recognition, but because he cares about whether the students and staff at Fanshawe are happy and satisfied with his service, in hopes that they'll return with a smile for the next time.

Basir wanted to thank the Interrobang staff for the opportunity and pleasure to be highlighted, as he feels it motivates him to better his service and satisfaction with each and every one that he interacts with on campus. From the perspective of the interviewer, I feel like I had quite the pleasure to sit down and talk with Basir, as he shared about his passion for this campus, appreciation for Canada, and hopes for his home country of Palestine. Fanshawe College provides students and staff with a positive experience and a respectful atmosphere due to the gestures and work ethic that Basir provides on a daily basis. Although Basir enjoys the interactions he experiences, I can confidently speak for the student body that we enjoy those interactions just as much, and always look forward to that extra something that Basir provides when he hands over that warm cup of coffee.

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.