Miranda Fast has long been a Welcome Desk fixture at The J, where she greets a hundred people daily. And since she’s almost always at the front desk, we had no trouble tracking her down to ask a few questions…
LJCC: How did you end up working at The J, and what has surprised you most about working here?
MF: I started working at The J as a fit floor attendant while I was an undergrad at UAB, but my connection to this place goes back longer. I actually grew up going to preschool and summer camps here and lived right across the street, so when I saw that The J was hiring, I jumped at the opportunity. At the time, I thought I was simply applying for a job — I had no idea how much of an impact this place and the people in it would have on my life.
What has surprised me most about working here is just how much I’ve gained beyond work experience. I’ve built so many meaningful connections and friendships, been given opportunities I never expected, and learned skills that I know I’ll carry with me throughout my life and career. I’ve worked a number of jobs, but The J is the only place where I can truly say I feel like I’ve been prepared for my future because of the generosity and mentorship of the people around me. It’s pretty special to grow up somewhere and then realize, years later, that the same place is still helping you grow.
What does a typical day at the Welcome Desk look like for you?
A typical day starts with me chugging a gigantic coffee and greeting all of our lovely morning community members — they’re impressively consistent! From there, my front desk partner and I tag-team whatever the day throws our way. That might mean answering phone calls and membership questions, responding to emails, handling invoices, giving tours to prospective or current members, and about a hundred other things in-between. We’re really a one-stop shop up here!
But my favorite part of a typical day is everything that happens in between those tasks. I get to catch up with coworkers and members, hear about what’s going on in their lives, share plenty of laughs, and see so many familiar faces come through the doors each day. Those little interactions are what make this job feel so different from just coming in, doing my work, and going home. Being surrounded by such a wonderful group of coworkers and community members makes even an ordinary workday something I genuinely look forward to.
You’re often the first smiling face members see when they walk in. What do you enjoy most about being that first point of contact?
Some of the kindest and most caring people walk through the doors here, and I love having the opportunity to make them feel seen and special from the moment they arrive. From my very first day here, members have gone out of their way to learn my name, ask about my life, remember the things I’ve shared with them, and follow up on important moments. Those gestures may seem little, but they’ve always meant so much to me. That’s why being the first point of contact for our members feels so meaningful. I get the chance to offer that same warmth back — to learn their names, remember their stories, celebrate the exciting things happening in their lives, and hopefully make their day a little brighter just by being genuinely happy to see them. Our members bring so much sunshine into my workday, and I love that my position gives me the opportunity to send a little bit of that sunshine right back to them
Do you have a favorite moment, funny story or memorable interaction you’ve had with a member?
I have so many memorable interactions that I genuinely wouldn’t know how to choose just one. There’s Henry H. teaching me how to write a check; Beverly W. teaching me how to play mahjong (I’m still hopeless) and talking with me in the butterfly garden; Bev V., Penny E., and Anna C. spoiling me with the most delicious pastries and breads; and Debra A. bringing me a last souvenir of my beloved car on Montclair Road.
There are the enthusiastic greetings I get to share with Alan J.; conversations about Maine (and, of course, the most wonderful hat) with Richard F.; Gary M.’s sunshine lighting up the entire room; and Arnold S.’s early-morning energy and UAB tips and tricks. There’s the incredible mentorship and generosity Howard and Stacy T. have shown me; Lee G. and the rest of the amazing-Lee fantastic pickleball community; Steve C. always looking out for the Front Desk team; Jason F. supporting Jackson and me in all of our shenanigans; Barbara G.’s hilarious comments and sweetest compliments; and, of course, Albert S.’s famous jokes and wood carvings. And somehow, that barely scratches the surface. I could keep going until this newsletter ran out of room, and there are so many wonderful people I haven’t even had the space to name.
It’s all of these little moments, conversations, inside jokes, lessons, acts of kindness, and familiar faces that have made my years at the J so special. To everyone I mentioned, and everyone I didn’t have room to mention: thank you for making my days brighter, my stories better, and my life so much more colorful. I hope you all know how much these seemingly small moments have meant to me.
How do you spend your time when you’re not here at work?
I love to spend my time crocheting (the knitting group taught me!), playing pickleball, reading every book under the sun, spending time with my kitty and boyfriend, thrifting, and so much more!
Tell us something about yourself that might surprise our members.
I’m about to graduate with my master’s degree! When I first started working here I had just applied to transfer to UAB to finish my undergrad degree. Now I’m nearing the end of graduate school. It’s a little surreal to think about how many different chapters of my life have unfolded while working here. The J has been such a constant throughout that journey, which makes reaching this milestone feel even more special.
Cats or dogs?
Cats all the way! They’re so misunderstood, but are just as sweet and loving as dogs when given the chance. My cat, Winnie, even plays fetch, tug-of-war, and loves water!