I help put the ‘service’ in Mail and Service Center

Will Ironside ’25
Student Mail Clerk
Major: Engineering
Home: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

People recognize me for two things: my bucket hat, and from waiting on them in the Mail and Service Center. I started working there my freshman year as a delivery driver, and I loved it. Later on, I started to cover the mailroom front counter as well. It has been a great experience, and I’ve learned a lot about shipping, making things like notepads, and how to work the postage metering machine. I’m happy I have this opportunity. 

During the time spent waiting for packages to come in, there is a lot that may need to get done. If there’s a laminating project that needs cutting, I’m on it. There will also probably be letters that need forwarding, perhaps a printing job that needs folding, or envelopes that need to be sealed and metered.

When we receive packages I route them to their mailboxes, or put them on the shelves if they won’t fit. Retrieving packages for customers is generally where I interact with people the most. 

Shipping items for people is always fun to do because sometimes it can be a challenge depending on what’s being sent. Finding the correct size boxes or envelopes is occasionally a little struggle as well. 

Personally, my favorite part of the work day is in the afternoon when I get to drive Frank (our work van) out on the delivery route.

Everyone I interact with when I’m working is nice and respectful. I truly feel honored to be of service.

See six other work-study student essays, covering jobs from writing tutor to social media student manager.