By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Waiting tables and seating guests at restaurants is a routine job for many high school and college students. But for some students at Wind Crest, an Erickson community in Denver Colo., it’s much more than routine. It’s a part–time job like no other.

“It’s a great opportunity to earn money, make some lasting friendships, and possibly earn a scholarship,” says Carlie Thomas, Wind Crest’s student staff development manager, who primarily recruits student workers by visiting local schools.

The Denver community opened earlier this spring, but the restaurants already employ almost 30l high school and college students from the area.

The people make the place
Thomas says she’s enjoyed watching friendships develop between the students and the men and women who live at Wind Crest. “Many of the students and residents think of each other more as family members,” she says.

“The people who live here are absolutely the best part of going to work,” says Amanda Fearn, 18, who recently graduated from the local Heritage High School and is now taking classes at Arapahoe Community College.

Fearn works as a server in Wind Crest’s Fireside Restaurant. “I look forward to going in each day,” she says. “They really sincerely care about us, and I feel lucky to be paid to do what I do.” Fearn feels she connects in some way with everyone she waits on at Wind Crest, but there’s one couple in particular who are like “second grandparents” to her. “They’re wonderful, wonderful people,” she says.

The ‘eyes’ have it
Bobbi Rosack, who moved to Wind Crest in July from Gleneagles Village in Highlands Ranch, has a special relationship with one student employee she’s jokingly “adopted” as her granddaughter.

“I like to say she has ‘twinkle eyes,’” says the grandmother of nine. “Her eyes just tell you that she’s glad to see you. I commented to one of my friends that I’d be proud if she were my granddaughter.”