For the last several months, the conversation around colleges throughout the U.S. has revolved around masks, physical distancing, and remote learning. The debates have been so intense at times that it’s easy to forget there are students on campus going about their business. Zmorea Woody is one of those students, and she’s doing her part to make sure her peers have essential items to succeed.
Woody is a sophomore biology major working in Paws’ Pantry and Paws’ Closet. She started her job during the uncertainty of the pandemic but has watched her role increase throughout the 2020 year. Woody knows that Paws’ services can have an impact because she has been on the other side of it.
“I joined Paws because I wanted to be a part of something important,” Woody said. “College is hard enough as it is with tuition, school work and extracurricular activities. Having to juggle all that is difficult. From my own experience, my first year was difficult because I didn’t know about the pantry, and I never had money to eat. During the end of my first year, someone told me about Paws’ Pantry, and I wanted to get involved ever since.”
She has certainly gotten involved. With COVID-19 bringing a flurry of changes to the pantry, Woody’s duties have increased or changed plenty throughout the last several months. She came in wanting to improve her oral communication skills, and she’s done so as the pantry has seen a wide range of visitors. She’s also brought a personality to the pantry that is needed.
“Zmorea’s personality has flourished as she’s adjusted to our office,” said Tina Hill, Woody’s supervisor. “She is funny and always has a can-do attitude. We need that in our office, especially due to priorities changing just the same as the wind.”
Hill has been impressed with Woody’s willingness to help with any project that might arise, and Woody has found the job to be a rewarding one that has opened her eyes.
“With this job I’ve experienced many ethnicities, and it’s amazing how many different cultures there are at IUPUI,” she said. “But overall, the most rewarding part of my job is being able to help others who are in need.”
Paws’ Pantry is open by appointment on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for students only, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for students, faculty, staff. Walk-in appointments are permitted on Thursdays between 10 a.m. to noon, and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Walk-in hours are for students only and two walk-ins per student per semester are allowed.
Appointments for Paws’ Pantry can be made by visiting paws.iupui.edu and need to be made at least 24 hours in advance of the pantry opening. For example, if you would like to make an appointment for any time on Wednesdays, you must register for that appointment by 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Paws’ Pantry is located on the first floor of the Campus Center, just to the left of the elevators in CE 130.
Paws’ Closet is also open by appointment only on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Appointments can be made by visiting paws.iupui.edu and will need to be made at least 24 hours in advance of the closet opening. The closet is not able to offer walk-in appointments or fitting room services at this time. Paws’ Closet is located in CA 117.