Most high school kids don’t necessarily look at their first job as the start of a career, but Emma Howell may be the exception. With a grandmother who had Alzheimer’s disease and volunteer work dating back to elementary school, Emma was drawn to a job opening as a server at Patriot’s Colony, a Riverside continuing care retirement community in Williamsburg.
“I thought the job sounded fun and that it might give me a glimpse into what a future career in the health care field might be like,” Emma explains.
Two years later, Emma feels great about her decision. And one of the best job perks?
“I have a ton of adopted grandparents here,” she adds.
As Emma was working through a service project for high school, she knew she wanted to do something for the Alzheimer’s Association. The walk – a big annual fundraiser for the organization – had to be scaled back due to COVID-19. So Emma decided to participate in the Longest Day fundraiser with the Alzheimer’s Association. There were challenges, but Emma managed to raise nearly $2,400, surpassing her own goal.
Michael Gaudreau, Director of Food and Beverage Operations at Riverside, most enjoys watching Emma interact with Patriot’s Colony residents on a day-to-day basis. Working under the leadership of Whitney Jackson, the entire food service team exemplifies excellent customer service. Michael admires Emma and the entire team’s dedication to providing a high level of care for every person.
“It is so important to us that our team members put residents first,” Michael explains. “Our entire team – Emma included – comes to work each day understanding how important their job is to our residents. Food and the service we provide is a big part of their day.”
Perhaps at no other time was the team’s importance more pronounced than during the COVID-19, which forced Patriot’s Colony to suspend all visitation to residents. Emma felt fortunate to continue working throughout the pandemic and quickly recognized the weight of her role.
“In many ways, we took over as family for the residents,” Emma explained. “One of my greatest memories was when my co-worker Audrey and I bought some residents art kits to work on in their rooms rather than just sitting and watching TV. When they showed us their paintings and drawings a few days later, it had been some of the first smiles we had witnessed since the shutdown.”
Emma plans to attend James Madison University in the fall of 2021, where she intends to study occupational therapy. In addition to her studies, she is interested in continuing her volunteer work with the Alzheimer’s Association while at school. She also plans to return to Patriot’s Colony to work when she is home on breaks.
“I’ll miss the residents,” Emma says of her departure in August. “I’ll write letters, and I keep telling them I’ll be back – to count the months until Thanksgiving break.”
Michael is not shy about getting ready to welcome Emma back at any time.
