By Nathan Douglas–
“You’re the lady at Davidson,” is a phrase all too common for Simply To Go worker Terry Beard. Ms. Beard has become an iconic figure of sorts on the University of Louisville campus, making many students’ days with her endearing words, which resonate throughout Davidson Hall. Among the 22,000-some students at U of L, it would be a challenge to find one who has never heard of the lady who affectionately refers to her customers as “Boo Boo” or “Pumpkin.” Ms. Beard is a people person at heart, an incognito philanthropist who often goes far out of her way to help a student in need. “I love them all, I really do care for them.”
Q: What is your favorite part about work?
A: The students, they make me get up and come to work, I mean, there’s never a dull moment. I miss them when I’m not here, and when we go on break; I miss them because I’m so attached to them.
Q: What do you do when you’re not working here?
A: When I’m not here, there’s not a lot of time for me because I work two jobs. I like to rest, I used to like to party but now I’m older. I play with my grandbaby. She comes over, and I’m getting ready to have another one.
Q: If you could add something to the To Go assortment, what would you add?
A: A Toaster.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: I like movies like Karate Kid; I don’t like really violent movies.
Q: Where were you born?
A: Here in Louisville at General Hospital. It was where the University Hospital is sitting now.
Q: What’s your least favorite part about work?
A: I don’t know, I’ve always worked my whole life since I was 16. I’m a people person, its just in my blood I just love people. I guess the thing I like least about work is money, not getting paid enough.
Q: If there was a movie about your life, who would play you?
A: I got a sister that can play me; she always mocks me so I would say her.
Q: Any advice for young folks?
A: Life is precious, quit thinking the world revolves around you. Take life a day at a time. I always thank God for everything I do. Without him we’re nothing. I don’t know about a lot of people’s religion, but that’s the way I was brought up. I talk to him in the morning, at night, even when I’m on the commode, because that’s my strength. I know times are hard, but give it all you’ve got, because when you do that at least you can say you tried. I try to let kids know God didn’t bring them this far to give up on them now. Life is too precious. Don’t give up.
Q: Do you know the Muffin Man?
A: The Muffin Man? Yeah, he was with us when we were little. I don’t know which muffin man y’all talking about, but I love the little Muffin Man.
[email protected]
Photo: Nathan Douglas/The Louisville Cardinal
