October 15, 2021

Peggy Aschenbrenner, Information Desk Receptionist

Central, Life@Work

I grew up the oldest of five girls on a dairy farm just north of Rice, MN. I was always looking out for my siblings, making sure everybody got on the bus and taking care of them. As my parents aged, I looked after them too. Being a helper is my mission. My full-time career for the last 38 years has been as a clerk at the Greater River Regional Library. However, I started volunteering at St. Cloud Hospital a few years ago and was then hired part-time to work at the information desk by the ER. One day, a gentleman stopped by asking about the Gorecki Guest House. He had questions I didn’t know the answer to, so I called over there and asked if I could get a tour so that I could better explain everything to people. I did that and instantly fell in love with the place. Shortly after that I applied and got a casual part-time position working there as well!

I love helping people and it feels good making a difference in someone’s day. I’ll never forget one woman – she was staying at the Gorecki Guest House because her husband was in the hospital. She would sometimes bring her granddaughter with her, who I got to know too. She later sent me a thank you note, saying her granddaughter looked up to me and was so happy that I included her in everything. That meant a lot.