BYU Operatin'

Leaving BYU Info is so much a part of me now that by leaving it feels like cutting off a foot. I'm convinced that this is the best possible student job on campus. I used to think that the reference desks in the library or department offices were the shtuff. I was wrong. I'm taking statistics and from my random sample of 1 there is no bias in this conclusion. If you're going to get a job on-campus my advice is avoid the Bookstore. I worked there for years that I could have been working at BYU-Info....theoretically. I did like the people there, you can ask them, I bet I visit more than any other past student employee. Strictly comparing jobs though, BYU Info is the mixed martial arts champion of campus jobs.

Here's what I love about BYU-Info:
1. It's a positive community. I feel comfortable around most every person in the office. Should I mention names of those I don't?....nah. It feels more like a set of friends than a workplace.
2. I like problem solving. People are crazy and barely able to communicate their desires in a lot of cases. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to know that a person is calling for Independent study just from the incoherent babble that is their speech.
3. The job is to be ready to answer a phone call. What better situation is there for a student to do homework while working. I never took advantage of this, I do have a really cool list of time-wasting websites to prove it (see previous post).
4. Once upon a time there were these magical cold brownies in the vending machines. I consistently bought all of them from week to week. Vending decided to intervene and cut off my supply a while back. They are a fond memory.


Cons
1. 6:00 am opening shifts is hands down the worst part of the job. I have a medical condition that makes these shifts hard. I'm a zombie in the early hours of the morning. Don't believe me, wake me up early and I'll eat your brains....mmmm.....brains.....

Here's a few of my favorite random calls:

Op: BYU Operator
Caller: May I have a number for the ****** office?
Op:…that number is 422-
Caller: (mature woman's voice) Hold on, let me get a pen and write that down…Ok, go ahead.
Op: Ok, that number is 422-####
Caller: (saying numbers to herself as she writes) Aghh! My pen exploded. Hold on, I need to go wash my hand.
Op: (withholding laughter) you're fine, take your time.
Caller: Ohh shoot, that's not going to come off for a week.
Op: (still holding it together)
Caller: Ok, what was that number again…

Op:Byu Operator
Caller: Can I be translated…err…I mean…

Op: Byu Operator
Caller: Who is this?
Op: A Byu Operator
Caller: Is this a home phone?
Op: No, this is Brigham Young University.
Caller: Brig-what University?
Op: Brigham Young University in Provo, UT.
Caller: For what?
Op: It's a university.
Caller: But for what?
Op: It's like a college where people go to school.
Caller: Oh…well bye.

Op: BYU Operator
Caller: Can you transfer me to the Beaver Sportsline?
Op: Beaver sportsline?
Caller: I'm sorry not Beaver, the...uh...Booger...agh!...Cougar sportsline?

Old Guy: Is there anything going on at BYU or is my grandson going to drive me crazy this week?
Op: School's out, so nothing is really going on
Old Guy: Do you want to take him?
Op: No thanks.
Old Guy: Ok, I'll just take some more Valium

Op:Ok, I'll connect you with the MTC, the number is 422-...
Caller: Wait! Let me get my pencil. I'm writing on my hand. 422...then what

Caller(with British accent): What's your name dear?
Op: Oh, I can't actually give out my name.
Caller: Oh yes, that's security, We'll call you Deborah.

Op: BYU Awesome
(instead of 'operator' for those of you who don't get it right off)

Caller: You've been a big help, Thanks Baby!

Caller (spanish accent):Can you connect me to Vendors?
Op: Are you referring to Vending Services?
Caller: Yeeessss, you know they take care of the machines where you can buy sneeeckers, skeettles, or a tweex
Op: Ok the number is....Caller:(still keeps listing things) ice cream sandweeches, trail meex, etc....

Op: BYU Operator
Caller: I need my test!