Lunch in the University Center is a time full of smiles and laughter. Recently it is missing one smile and laugh in particular from Cynthia Woods, better known as Miss Cynthia.

Miss Cynthia has taken a leave of work from the UC until further notice. She suffered two strokes, a minor one in May and another during the summer. She was also diagnosed with Type II Diabetes.

Miss Cynthia went to Southeast Hospital in mid-July and saw neurologist Dr. James LaGuardia and found out about the strokes and took time off from work.

“I went to the doctor because I kept falling and that’s when they found out.” Miss Cynthia said.

Since put on leave, she spends most of her time relaxing at home.

“I spend most of my days watching TV like The Price is Right, and sitting on my porch watching the cars go by” Miss Cynthia said.

Miss Cynthia also had to take a month off from driving from July 28 through Aug 28 and is still under care until her next doctor’s appointment. She hopes to be back at work as soon as possible.

She has been working for Chartwells Dining at Southeast for the last 17 years. Since being at the university she has seen a lot of change. The expansion of Panda Express and Starbucks being put in the UC among other changes.

Co-worker and long time friend Emma Hempstead, better known as Miss Emma, has been working alongside Miss Cynthia since she started. Finding out has been hard for everyone who works in the UC and everyone misses her.

“It was unbelievable. You work with someone for so many years then something’s wrong ---it’s like we’re family up here. We been working together for so long it’s like losing a close part of your family” Hempstead said.

Hempstead said working with Miss Cynthia is always a fun and enjoyable time.

“We can laugh at things that sometimes people don’t laugh at.” Hempstead said. “We can be honest with each other without sugarcoating everything.”

Miss Cynthia does miss all the students co-workers and faculty who come in the UC every day.

“I miss all my co-workers” Miss Cynthia said. “I miss a lot of these students too, the ones I really got to know, the ones who come through my line every day no matter how long my line was---just stand in my line and wait for me.”

She is a big fan of R&B listening to artists like Johnnie Taylor, Marvin Gaye, Al Green and Otis Redding. She also likes to cook in her free time.

Miss Cynthia went to Las Vegas over spring break staying at the Luxor and playing slots.

Miss Cynthia’s next doctor's appointment is on Oct. 20 and she hopes to be back at work at the beginning of November. During her time of recovery Miss Cynthia encourages students or faculty to stop by and visit her at her house.

“I’ve been inviting the students over. They can come by and see me whenever they’re ready,” Miss Cynthia said.