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Antidote for spring break stress: A shaved head

07/02/2009

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Dustin Jones shaved his head to relieve student exam stress.

It might be a birthday cake of the month, or notes of encouragement for finals week, or a cup of chicken noodle soup, but the little and some big things Miami University employees do for students and our community make a difference. Over the next several months, the Miami e-Report will share some of the stories that illustrate the Miami experience.

Sometimes those stories emphasize the importance of being supportive…

Dustin Jones has provided custodial services and friendship at McKee residence hall on Western campus for three years. Getting to know the 78 students, and making connections with the fellows on the 3rd floor, means occasional lunches together and water gun challenges in the hall.

But in late April, when the students were stressing about final projects and exams, Jones’ student support hit a new level. “Some of my upper class students were shaving and trimming their own hair, when one asked if they could shave my head. They’d been stressed, and hadn’t been smiling for a few days, so I agreed,” said Jones.

Jones surprised the students with a large pizza order and made a small party out of the pate-preening.

Then the freshmen took note and asked, “Dustin, will you keep your head bald so we can rub it for good luck during finals week?” Naturally, Jones agreed.

“This is a great family at McKee,” he said. “Some of the students held a custodial appreciation day. They cleaned carpets and stairwells. On a regular basis, they Facebook me to ask to borrow the vacuum cleaner.”

Jones’ head will remain hair-free for summer. “I work in non-air conditioned buildings. It’ll be a little cooler.” But he figures he’ll have to let some grow back before finals come around again.