When Ariel Patterson, a junior elementary education major from Boulder, Colorado, first started as a student worker, she pictured the usual office routine — drafting presentations, tracking spreadsheets, and running campus errands. Then came ironing black tablecloths for a board meeting.
“It was a lot harder than I thought,” laughed Patterson. “But it felt good to do something simple that gives our school that extra touch to stand out, to look nice. There’s a lot that goes into the meetings and it sets the tone for all who participate.”
Patterson started her work on campus in the President’s Office as a freshman in 2024. When her supervisor, Grace Chilson, transitioned into Academic Administration in 2026, Patterson was invited to follow.
“I enjoy working with Grace,” said Patterson. “She sees me as a person and cares.” Under Chilson’s mentorship, and her understanding of college pressures, Patterson found the office to be a launchpad rather than a burden.
Even on difficult days, Chilson noticed Patterson came in with a positive attitude.
“She is always willing to take on new tasks and eager to learn, approaching each opportunity with enthusiasm and a desire to do her best,” said Chilson. “Her willingness to learn, dependable nature, and joyful presence make her a valued member of our office.”
This initiative was shown one spring when Chilson needed end-of-the-year gift concepts on short notice. Patterson didn’t just suggest an idea — she problem-solved with a presentation featuring distinct gift concepts, accompanying taglines and varying price points.
“I was able to take the information to my boss and finalize a decision,” Chilson said. “It was such a time saver.”
On larger campuses, student workers easily become names lost on payroll. At a close-knit school like Union, every contribution carries personal weight. And while ironed linens and gift presentations might seem far from a future elementary classroom, Patterson sees every opportunity in student work as career preparation.
“I’ve learned how to take control of tasks,” said Patterson. “That has equipped me to be a leader in my own life because it’s helped me learn that sometimes you just need to start, then it’s okay to ask questions and build from there.”
More importantly, Patterson found being a student worker mirrors the realities of running a classroom. Over the last two years Patterson reflected how she’s built confidence in her professionalism, learned to work with people who think differently, handle sensitive information with confidentiality and pivot with the unexpected.
“I know these skills will be beneficial as I move into teaching,” she said, noting she’ll deal with parents, principals, fellow teachers and diverse students in the future. “I’ve learned how to approach responsibility with respect.”
Beyond keeping operations running smoothly, student workers like Patterson directly impact Union’s culture. Whether delivering documents across campus, or welcoming high-level university stakeholders, Patterson is personal and mission-driven.
She brings joy into all her interactions and embodies the spirit of Union.
“Ariel is an exceptional student worker, not only because of her creativity, timeliness and cheerful spirit, but also because of the way she demonstrates her love for Jesus in the way she interacts with others,” said Chilson.
Patterson noted that all her interactions while working have been positive. “Staff and students—they all just reciprocate that love for Jesus back at you,” she said.
With supervisors like Chilson who take time to mentor, and students like Patterson willing to dive in, working on campus becomes much more than just a job. It’s how Union prepares students to step out into the world, ready to serve and lead.
Emy Roque-Cisneros is a freelance writer in Grand Junction, Colorado.
