About the Author
Julie Michel has a front row seat watching students develop during their time at Avondale. “I get to see them grow into confident adults. That’s what I love about this place.”
As head of Cleaning Services on our Lake Macquarie campus over the past 20 years, Julie employs student workers to ensure everything is “spit spot.” Working with them is a highlight, for the most part. “They are the source of my greatest frustration and greatest love.” She has stumbled upon many a prank, recalling, for example, an artfully decorated hay display in the foyer of Andre Hall. “I was impressed but I wasn’t cleaning it up,” she says with a cheeky grin.
For a number of students, Julie is their first employer, introducing necessary life skills. “I respect those who roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty.”
Seven years before accepting the cleaning services role, Julie cared for the women’s residence laundry and used the opportunity to befriend the students. “I wanted to know their names, and I wanted them to know I would listen if they needed to talk.” She particularly remembers encouraging students who felt homesick. “I’m where God wants me to be. He loves all these students, and I get a chance to model that to them,” she says.
The transformation of students is not the only thing Julie has seen over her time at Avondale. Culture, infrastructure, leadership and staff have changed, too. But Julie feels advances in technology have had the greatest impact. “Students can now learn online by distance, but I do miss having them on campus.”
Julie has benefitted from the encouragement Avondale gives staff to further their education, graduating with a Master of Leadership and Management in 2020. Avondale benefits from Julie’s knowledge and experience through her contribution to the Innovation, Economic Hardship and Work Health and Safety Committees.
Many students maintain their friendship with Julie even after graduation. The Jacaranda yearbooks they’ve signed are part of her home library collection. “Avondale is a transient place and I miss the students when they go,” says Julie. She’s been invited to a few of their weddings, “but no one’s named their kids after me yet.”
Want to say “hi” to Julie? Send a message to [email protected]. She would love to hear from you.
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