Cesar is an amazing chef, as well as a great person. He is so considerate, especially when he found out that I had dietary restrictions. About a month back, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. It was a major setback for me, as I love practically everything with gluten: pasta, bread, pizza, you name it. I was devastated and dubious to the fact that there were actually gluten free options in this world (that are actually good). The day I got back from my endoscopy, I hopelessly entered the dining hall, looking for something, anything, that I could eat. I bumped into Cesar and told him about my recent diagnosis. I was not expecting to hear the options that I did, and I did not believe them at first. It was only when he and his dining staff brought me to the back and showed me around that I truly understood how considerate they are of people with dietary restrictions.  

The Flik Dining staff is one hell of a team. Not only do they provide the entire school (students and faculty) with great food, but they do with politeness and a positive attitude. And, when they make your day better, it is not with an additional handful of popcorn chicken or an extra sugar cookie; it is with a nice, genuine greeting. It does not need to be a full on conversation; even a small hello can do the job. While Cesar is buried in his work and responsibility as a chef, he still finds the time to address me with a smile. He might not know it, but every time he says hello, it really perks me up.

While they might seem ineffective, even the smallest acts of kindness can have a large and meaningful impact on people. I encourage you to ask someone how their day was, give them a compliment, or even just a simple hello. Trust me, you won’t regret it.