But the many students who use the labs know them as a knowledgeable group of peers who answer questions, troubleshoot problems, and generally make the computing experience easier. Durkee found this responsibility a little challenging initially. But as you gain experience and confidence, with time you get used to answering questions. When they encounter a difficult question, attendants can quickly contact all the other attendants on duty, one of whom is bound to have a solution. Communication is Key Durkee feels that his communication skills extend even to his role as a center for the Aggies.
Communication is key in being a site attendant, and also on the basketball court.
Teamwork and communication go hand in hand, both in the computer lab and on the basketball court, as Durkee has discovered. The Lab Management staff work as a team to ensure smooth operation of the computer labs, just as the five teammates on the court work together to score points. In addition to serving as an information resource for each other, the site attendants help each other in more basic ways, such as by covering for each other when one can't make a shift. Durkee's co-workers have always been willing to help out in any way they could. And they have supported his basketball career with encouragement and congratulations.