Interviewed and photos taken by Renae Hill

Some responses have been edited for length

Q: Why do you like working at Princeton?

Jim: What I like is the level of professionalism. All the staff, and everyone I come into contact with, knows their job and takes it seriously. 

Mike: I think it is a privilege to work here when you look at Princeton and the prestige it has. You also come into work knowing you are feeding students, who are the future, and you can change somebody’s life.

Jared: It’s like coming into a second family and a little like watching a reality show.

Yaovi: It’s a great working environment, and I like the way we interact with each other, especially with the students. I make sure to do my job in the best way possible every day to make sure I can help improve myself and help improve the department.

Q: What is a surprising fact about yourself that others do not know about you?

Jim: I do triathlons. My favorite is the Special Olympics triathlon in Asbury Park, but they are not holding it this year, so this summer I’ll probably be doing one in Point Pleasant. 

Mike: I am a very religious person and am very active in my church, leading several committees. I even preach a sermon from time to time.

Jared: It usually surprises people that I’m 38 years old.

Yaovi: I always want to come to work with a smile on my face and I always want to show and maintain a positive attitude at work.

Q: Please share an item that is on your "bucket list."

Jim: I want to get the entire family together to visit my grandfather’s home in Ireland. We were supposed to go before COVID, but it was canceled. 

Mike: To visit South Africa.

Jared: I want to skydive and swim with sharks. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that when we do something that terrifies us, it frees us.

Yaovi: Right now, it is my studies and how to improve my English.

Q: What is your favorite movie, TV show, book, or musical performer?

Jim: I have read everything that Stephen King has ever written…except his non-fiction about the Boston Red Sox.

Mike: My favorite movie is Lean on Me with Morgan Freeman.

Jared: Money Heist (TV Show); The Monster Squad (Movie); Black Sabbath (Music)

Yaovi: I used to watch a lot of Nigerian movies, I always read my bible, and I love listening to gospel music.

Q: What is your favorite food or snack?

Jim: Right now, it’s wings because my kids just discovered them and always want to try them at different places.

Mike: My favorite snack is lightly salted green banana chips.

Jared: Pretzels, candy, and ice cream.

Yaovi: Chicken and plantains. I eat plantains every single day, either cooking and smashing them, frying, or stuffing them with a chicken salad.

Q: When you are not working, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Jim: Spending time with my kids. We do a lot of outdoor activities like biking, canoeing, and hiking. I grew up at the shore, so I spend a lot of time out there as well. We’ll get up in the mornings and drive down to see the sunrise and spend the whole day at the beach.

Mike: I enjoy watching movies and working in my yard or at my church.

Jared: I do a lot of sewing, cooking, and hanging out with my family. I also work with people who are struggling with alcohol and drug addiction to support their sobriety which I really enjoy.

Yaovi: I’m usually studying after work and taking classes on my days off.

Q: What brings you joy?

Jim: Going to the beach and watching the sunrise with my kids.

Mike: Watching my son grow into a man and continue to do well in school. I also love spending time with my family.

Jared: Being kind to someone. If they are having a bad day, it brings me joy to see them turn their day around.

Yaovi: My work makes me happy. Also talking to my family and my relationships with my church members and seeing them on Sundays.