Q&A: Meet Scripps Ranch Senior Samaree Nguyen
As part of the “Meet Our Team” series, we’re delighted to feature Samaree Nguyen, our Food Services student worker.
Samaree is in her senior year and she's looking forward to graduation! She has been working at the Scripps Ranch Café since the beginning of her junior year, and she's looking forward to starting a new chapter. She’s been busy filling out admission applications to her top three colleges which include UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, and UC Irvine. She’s pursuing a major in Political Science and Pre-Law.
We sat down with Samaree to ask her a few questions about her experience working at the Scripps Ranch Café and what she enjoys about her job.
Why did you join the team at Scripps Ranch Café?
I was about to turn 16, and I wanted to get a job but I didn’t have a driver’s license. One of my friends found a student helper position in the cafeteria. So, I thought it would be a perfect role for me since I could work before school starts and I wouldn’t need a car.
What do you love the most about your job?
I enjoy being around my peers and the food service staff; everyone is so friendly and kind. They always greet me in the morning and chat with me during my shift. The manager plays music in the mornings and we all joke around. Plus, they cook food for me! I typically work for an hour every morning before I go to class, so the work is manageable with my school assignments. I usually help prepare lunch, and package meals for the Children’s Workshop Program, and in the past I have served breakfast to students. I’m going to miss my time working at the café when I graduate. I would encourage more students to work with Food Services. It’s been a special and positive experience for me!
What is one thing about school food that you wish people knew?
The amount of work that goes into preparing and serving meals. It made me more appreciative of what the Food Services staff do. They provide tasty and nourishing meals daily.
What’s your favorite menu item?
For breakfast, I love the fruit and yogurt parfait. And for lunch, my friends and I like the chicken nuggets but the beef burrito is very popular. Another favorite is the grab-and-go layered Mexican bean bowl with tortilla chips.
What are some of your hobbies?
I like to draw, and I enjoy going to concerts and listening to live music including Indie-Rock and folk music. I went to see Hozier at the Hollywood Bowl in November!