A True Super Star
At Springfield Masonic Community, (SMC) our employees are superstars! We recently sat down with Terri, the Resident Coordinator for Scottish Rite so she could share her story and the success she’s had at Springfield Masonic Community. Meet Terri, a Springfield Masonic Community Superstar!
How long have you worked at Springfield Masonic Community?
I have worked at SMC for 16 years this coming June. I have lived in Springfield all my life, married my best friend and have three boys and four grandchildren. I have been married 34 years and this is the only place I want to be. This is home to me.
What makes Springfield Masonic Community different than other senior living communities?
I’ve never worked at another senior living community, but I can tell you what I like about SMC. Working here is like coming home. My parents, and my in-laws have been part of Springfield Masonic Community.
To tell you how much I wanted to work here, it took me two years to finally get hired, and I was so proud when I did. I knew from the beginning that SMC was the right place for me, and I wasn’t wrong. I love every day of my job and the people that live and work here.
What do your daily responsibilities include?
Many people think my only responsibilities are working in the post office. We are the post office for all of SMC, but I do so much more than that. When new residents arrive, I assign them a mailbox. I spend some time with them helping them to acclimate to life at SMC, particularly in their new home in the Scottish Rite independent living apartments.
There are so many activities at SMC, I help new residents determine the ones they will enjoy on a regular basis as well as special events. If the event is outside of SMC, I organize transportation and they can sign up in the post office. My office is housed in the post office.
One of the other things I get to do is help out with the gift shop. I recruit volunteers that you will see around our community. I enjoy having so many responsibilities, I never have a boring day.
What are some of your favorite benefits Springfield Masonic Community offers?
That’s an easy question, the comradery with the residents, their families, and our co-workers. You develop close friendships when you work here as many years as I have. There was a time in my life when I was struggling with the illness of a loved one. Everyone watched over me and helped me get through the situation. There are three words that truly describes that time in my life, and when I look at it closely, those three words a part of every day. Those words are “caring, compassion and concern.” I try to show those same three words every day in all that I do.
What would you tell a prospective employee about Springfield Masonic Community?
Consider joining our team. Springfield Masonic Community is a fantastic place to work. Come through the front door with an attitude of patience and a caring personality and you will be just fine. Get to know the residents and your co-workers and you will enjoy every day.
Why do you love working at Springfield Masonic Community?
I love “being part of the bigger picture.” The interaction with the residents makes each day special and different than the one before it. My mother passed away many years ago, so sometimes it’s such a good feeling to take a few minutes to just sit and talk with our residents. I get as much, if not more, out of those conversations than the residents do.
I love my job and the people around me. The old saying fits, “if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life.” That description fits me perfectly.
In my opinion, relationships are a necessity when working with older adults. You get to know the residents and enjoy their stories. Sometimes, you get to know their families. There are times when you are with them until it’s their time. That can be very emotional, but you can look back and know you did your very best for them. That will always give you comfort.
For top quality senior living services, the Ohio Masonic Communities is a retirement community of choice. With three locations in Springfield, Waterville, and Medina, OH, their senior living communities offer 24/7 care and support for independent living, assisted living, and memory care. For more information on employments at one of the scenic and active communities. Call (877) 881-1623 today and get started on a career in senior living you’ll love.