When you walk into a building or classroom, have you ever noticed how clean it is? Wonder how an area with such heavy traffic maintains its sparkle and shine? It’s not magic. It’s people like Margaret Pope, a housekeeper here on campus.

Margaret Pope has been an employee of the Facilities Department here for going on 30 years now, working hard to keep our campus clean.

Pope, originally from Spring Hope, N.C., came to N.C. State in 1979 because there were not a sufficient number of jobs in her hometown.

 ”People I knew were coming here for jobs, so I did too,” Pope said.

Pope’s day starts at 3:30 a.m. While most of us are sleeping peacefully in our beds, she is punching in, about to embark on her cleaning quest.

Most of us can’t imagine waking up that early to do anything, but Pope does not mind.

“I like the hours,” she said.

She also said she likes them even more now than she did when she first came to the University. The day used to begin at 5 a.m. and end at 1:30 in the afternoon, but workers like Pope complained that was not enough time to maintain the classrooms before classes started. It was pushed back to 4 a.m. to give them an extra hour to ensure ample time for working.

A normal day for Pope officially begins at 4 a.m. as she heads to her designated area. She works her way through Winston, Tompkins, and Caldwell, cleaning restrooms, bathrooms, and entry ways, picking up paper and bottles, vacuuming, dusting, and taking out the trash.

“We work smarter, not harder,” Pope said.

Pope enjoys her job more now than when she first came here because the managers have worked hard to improve conditions for the workers. They have updated machines which makes the workload a little lighter. They have also changed the chemicals they use, making them safer and more efficient. They also provide employees with uniforms and identification badges, which they did not when Pope first came in 1979.

Pope said she is grateful for the managers she works under.

“They work hard to help you maintain your job,” she said.

In return, the employees work hard for them.

“We do things the way they want–the proper way. We do things the professional way,” Pope said.

While a housekeeping job might seem a little lackluster to an outsider, Pope loves her job. Her favorite part, though, is the daily interaction she has with students, faculty, and other members of staff.

“I like people. I like to communicate with people,” she said. “They make my day. “

These bonds she forms with the people she sees everyday are important to Pope.

“I see the same people each week. If I don’t see someone when I should,

the next time I do see them I ask if they are ok. They do the same for

me,” Pope said.

Though Pope does not have a least favorite part of the job, there are a few things she would change–safety and space.

The newer buildings are more accommodating for the housekeeping staff, providing them with a place to sit and eat lunch. But some of the older buildings do not. The people working for facilities wish this was different.

Security is also a concern among the housekeeping staff.  When Pope first started working, she dealt with problems with homeless people coming over across Hillsborough Street and sleeping in the buildings that were then kept unlocked.

Though they never bothered her, she said they did startle her and made her nervous.  Security has gotten better, but there is still room for improvement to make these workers feel safe.

Pope will tell anyone she loves her job, but after thirty years, she is ready for retirement.

“I am hoping to leave this year,” she said. “I am weighing everything out so I know what to do.”

Until then, she plans to finish out the year with a smile on her face.

“I have enjoyed it,” she said. “It has been good.”