friday takeout

Bailey Hemenway

Admissions Representative | Peosta Campus

Which of the six College values do you identify with the most and why?

I can proudly say I identify in some way with all of the College’s values, but for sake of the question, I will choose Integrity. While the official definition of “integrity” is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness, my personal translation of “integrity” is when your thoughts, words and actions align. What you think should be in line with what you say, should be in line with what you do. If you aren’t practicing what you preach, you aren’t living a life of integrity. Integrity means not promising, but proving. It is always doing the right thing, even behind closed doors. Integrity is such an important value to possess, because it builds trust, forms lifelong relationships and provides comfort and peace of mind knowing you are a good human being at the end of a long day, no matter what kind of day.

Give a specific example of a time when you saw how your work helped a student or co-worker and it made you feel all "warm and fuzzy."

Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to really impact a student yet, as I am still new to the NICC family, so I will write about a time I helped a customer in the restaurant where I work. There was an elder gentleman sitting alone at the bar top one night. As I was waiting tables around him, I noticed he seemed very sad, so I kept my eye on him. As he got off his barstool to leave for the night, he fell. Two very nice guys who were sitting by him rushed to help him to his feet. He was very confused, and we came to the conclusion that we needed to call this man a cab. I decided to have another waitress watch my section as I sat by this man until his cab arrived. As we sat side by side, he opened up to me about recently losing his wife. He admitted his loneliness and sadness to me. I sat there holding his hand and wiping tears from his cheeks. He tried handing me a 20, and I politely declined his offer. As the cab pulled up, I asked for his address to give to the driver. I told the driver about his fall, and I asked him to make sure he got in his house okay. The cab driver was very cooperative. I said goodbye to the man, but I couldn’t get his story out of my head. I remembered his address, so the next day, I bought flowers and soup with a handwritten note that said “to the start of a wonderful friendship” and I delivered them to his doorstep. He was so appreciative he invited me inside and told me story after story about his wife and sons. Sometimes all people need is an ear to listen. I still see him at the restaurant from time to time. He always requests my section. I hope my actions made his day, because his presence and stories always make mine.

Have you ever had a moment where you thought, "Well, this is going to shape who I am!"; or "This is sure going to be a character builder!" Please share.

I think walking across stage at graduation was that moment for me. I never thought getting a degree was in the books for me. I would look at other people who graduated, including my closest friends, and think that would never be my life. After taking some time off for personal reasons, I realized those were stupid, limited beliefs. I had picked a negative identity for myself and completely attached to it. I quickly found out that limited beliefs are just that: beliefs, and the good thing about beliefs is that they can be changed and transformed. During that time off I started empowering myself and filling my head with positive thoughts. I soon realized that, with the right mindset, I could achieve anything I wanted to, including graduating college. I talked with my advisor, who always believed in me even when I didn’t, and made a game plan to get my diploma in the next year. That year, I was on the Dean’s list both semesters and made great relationships with my professors. It was really a year of self-recognition, growth and empowerment. It took me seven years to wear that cap and gown, but it definitely was the most special, emotional, breathtaking moment of my life so far.

What was your worst early learning baking/cooking disaster?

Enough of the serious stuff! My sister and I decided to make some dinner for our parents one night. We couldn’t do anything productive together because we would end up in the stupidest fights. Me being the youngest, I always got the brunt of them. Looking back on everything, it is extremely comical. I can’t even remember what grossness we were concocting, but it involved eggs and anchovies. We ended up bickering back and forth about something; something so “serious” I can’t even recall what it was. One thing led to another, and I found myself pinned down on the floor while my sister shoved anchovies in my mouth and my hair. When I finally was able to escape her grasp, she pinned me down again, put raw egg down my pants and gave me a wedgie. Mom and Dad ended up making dinner that night.

Which famous person would you like to be BFFs with?

I think I would have to say both Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Just thinking about who they are off the radar makes me want to be part of their friendship. I can’t imagine their off-script conversations while they’re just driving in the car or going out to brunch. They are the most hilarious women! How would you ever have a dull day with those two in your circle? Your gut would constantly be in pain, but your abs would be solid from laughing. Maybe someday, I’ll keep dreaming …