Written by Carly Kester
When students see flashing orange lights, smell the intoxicating fumes of burning gasoline and hear the pitter-patter of little engines, they know it can only mean one thing: the golf carts are patrolling campus.For those of you who don’t know, the golf carts are driven by students who work for Public Safety, and their purpose is to escort people on campus from point A to point B. But anyone who has ever been in the driver’s seat knows that there’s more to the job than just being a taxi.As a golf cart driver myself, I have learned from driving around campus is that there are a lot of interesting people out there to meet, especially on a campus like Harding. And as a driver, you never know what kind of people you’re picking up until they’re riding shotgun beside you.You find out that most people are really good at having a normal conversation. You also find out that others feel comfortable enough to share their personal problems or ask questions like, “How do you get over a girl who’s broken your heart?” Yes. A guy really asked me this question the other day.I don’t mind having people ask me questions like that; in fact, I appreciate that this poor guy felt like he could confide in me. But even if I knew the answer, I wouldn’t be able to give it to him on a two-minute golf cart ride to his dorm. Instead I had to give him the condensed version of, “Well, there are plenty of fish in the sea, right?” Sorry about that, kid.Probably my favorite part about working for Public Safety is getting to know the inside scoop on what happens around Harding. If there’s one thing I love, it’s being informed, especially when it includes stories like catching dummies trying to climb to the top of the GAC or hearing about some brave soul attempting the Mabee challenge. And failing.But of course I couldn’t talk about driving the golf carts without mentioning the magical season of winter. Yes, through snow and sleet and freezing temperatures we’re out braving the elements so you won’t have to walk from your dorm to the library.Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I knew that winter equals ridiculous weather when I applied for the job last year. I just want people to appreciate that we’re out there for three hours or more in the cold every night without going crazy. That’s an accomplishment.But what’s the point of my writing this? I guess I just want to give you all a little glimpse of what we experience on the job, since only an elite few can say they have been through the same awkward, wonderful experiences.So next time you hop on a golf cart (not literally, of course),remember that our job isn’t just joy-riding until curfew. It’s that, and more.
