By KELLY WONG YEE LIN
Everyone has their own life story. A story that you can call your own, one that defines who you are. Taylor’s University (TU) janitor Tamil Shallvi K. Subramaniam has her own story to tell too. Tamil has been working as a janitor in TU commercial block for half a year. Before this, she was working as a guard in a primary school, but she had to look for another job when the school decided to change the security management. “I studied until Form 3, but I had to stop because my family was poor,” Tamil said. She added that she loves studying, and if she was given a chance to finish her studies, she would want to venture into the sciences as it was her favourite subject. |
Adulthood was also not exactly a bed of roses for Tamil. She lost her husband 10 years ago and has no children. She is now renting a house with a few housemates.
Most women at Tamil’s age would be thinking of retirement, or maybe just staying at home and taking care of their grandchildren, but Tamil did not have the privilege to do so.
Tamil works every weekday from 7am to 7pm and from 7am to 5pm on Saturdays. Even with the long hours, her income is just enough to cover monthly expenses.
“It is hard and tiring on weekdays because many students will walk by (the hallway) and use the toilet. I have to make sure they (hallway and toilet) are always clean so that nobody will complain,” Tamil said.
Age being a factor, Tamil also said she suffers pain on her arms when working, but she has to endure the pain as she knows it is her job to ensure the cleanliness of the toilet.
When asked about the challenges she faced, Tamil said students nowadays are irresponsible. This is due to their mindset of thinking that this is what janitors are paid to do, which is to help them clean the mess they have made.
She added that a lot of female students did not properly dispose their used sanitary pads and tissue papers into the dustbin.
“They need to know that it is their responsibility to throw them (used sanitary pads) nicely into the dustbin,” Tamil said.
Tamil said because of these irresponsible students, sometimes she felt taken for granted as a janitor.
There were also a few encouraging moments for Tamil when some students actually greeted and thanked her after using the toilet. She also shared a specific moment that made her feel appreciated.
“Just a month ago, a Malay girl by the name of Farah bought me a Subway sandwich in the morning and thanked me personally for what I am doing,” she said.
A janitor is an occupation that is not highly acknowledged by students. Some of us might also associate janitors with the words ‘dirty’ and ‘low class’. We tend to be too ignorant, until the point we become inconsiderate towards them.
But, one thing we should all remember is that they are humans too, and they are to be treated with respect regardless of their job. Think of it this way, we will not be enjoying our facilities in campus if not because of them.
A janitor like Tamil has taught me that sometimes it is alright to ‘serve’ and not ‘deserve’. The moment we stop thinking about what we deserve, and start thinking about how to serve and help others, this is actually the start of humility and the end of ego and pride.
Amazing how one can learn life lessons from a janitor, right?
Do stop and thank the janitors if you happen to pass by them. A word of thanks and encouragement will definitely make their day better. After all, it does not cost a single penny to say a word of thanks.
Most women at Tamil’s age would be thinking of retirement, or maybe just staying at home and taking care of their grandchildren, but Tamil did not have the privilege to do so.
Tamil works every weekday from 7am to 7pm and from 7am to 5pm on Saturdays. Even with the long hours, her income is just enough to cover monthly expenses.
“It is hard and tiring on weekdays because many students will walk by (the hallway) and use the toilet. I have to make sure they (hallway and toilet) are always clean so that nobody will complain,” Tamil said.
Age being a factor, Tamil also said she suffers pain on her arms when working, but she has to endure the pain as she knows it is her job to ensure the cleanliness of the toilet.
When asked about the challenges she faced, Tamil said students nowadays are irresponsible. This is due to their mindset of thinking that this is what janitors are paid to do, which is to help them clean the mess they have made.
She added that a lot of female students did not properly dispose their used sanitary pads and tissue papers into the dustbin.
“They need to know that it is their responsibility to throw them (used sanitary pads) nicely into the dustbin,” Tamil said.
Tamil said because of these irresponsible students, sometimes she felt taken for granted as a janitor.
There were also a few encouraging moments for Tamil when some students actually greeted and thanked her after using the toilet. She also shared a specific moment that made her feel appreciated.
“Just a month ago, a Malay girl by the name of Farah bought me a Subway sandwich in the morning and thanked me personally for what I am doing,” she said.
A janitor is an occupation that is not highly acknowledged by students. Some of us might also associate janitors with the words ‘dirty’ and ‘low class’. We tend to be too ignorant, until the point we become inconsiderate towards them.
But, one thing we should all remember is that they are humans too, and they are to be treated with respect regardless of their job. Think of it this way, we will not be enjoying our facilities in campus if not because of them.
A janitor like Tamil has taught me that sometimes it is alright to ‘serve’ and not ‘deserve’. The moment we stop thinking about what we deserve, and start thinking about how to serve and help others, this is actually the start of humility and the end of ego and pride.
Amazing how one can learn life lessons from a janitor, right?
Do stop and thank the janitors if you happen to pass by them. A word of thanks and encouragement will definitely make their day better. After all, it does not cost a single penny to say a word of thanks.