If you are familiar with the Retreat at Vassar College, you are probably familiar with Vassar community member Chris Sayain. Chris is an employee at Retreat, one of Vassar’s dining options. He most frequently works the serving stations at either Bol or Fyr, offering you one of two meal options and likely a compliment on your outfit. Chris is a Poughkeepsie local and native, having attended Poughkeepsie High School as a teenager, where he ran track and played football. He still lives in Poughkeepsie now, with his two Jack Russell terriers and his cat.
Chris began working at Vassar almost three years ago, joining his cousin who works in the kitchen at Retreat here on campus. Three years into his time, Chris explained that the highlight of his daily routine is being able to engage with others, his coworkers and Retreat goers: “My favorite part of the day is chatting with people. I love to be downstairs and be able to chat with others. I love when people stop by to chat with me, even when they’re not in my line.” This positive outlook on daily interactions is what makes Chris such a memorable presence, always leaving those he interacts with feeling brighter. He also noted that he enjoys a good outfit, often offering up a compliment for anyone well dressed. “I’m big on fashion and I see a lot of nicely dressed fits, great accessories, so it’s free support to compliment somebody.”
His interest in a good outfit is not the only artistic expression he has participated in. His main interests have always leaned towards the arts in all forms—particularly visual art. In his spare time, he continues to enjoy art both for joy and for his career. “I’ve been very big into art since I was a child, I enjoy working with digital art, with clay, with fashion.” In addition to engaging with art and design throughout school, he is currently working towards creating a digital comic and an online game with friends from high school. “I’m in a small group from high school, we’re working on a computer game. It’s sort of Contra-esque.” Through graphic design and coding, the group is working towards building a game inspired by the ones they enjoy playing on their own time.
Chris explained that he enjoyed gaming and the arts throughout his childhood, but it became more than just a hobby when he reached high school. With his friend group, he was able to create his own online store, turning his skill with art, design and fashion into a professional endeavor. “I had my own online store, I still have my mockups, draft pictures.” Chris is still pursuing his artistic ambition today, with his tech ventures as well as writing and creating a comic—an adventure story. For both of these projects, he is honing his skills in pixel art to create the graphics for the game and images for his book.
His creativity for art and fashion also extends to his interactions with others. He uses his appreciation for clothing and personal expression to connect with others. Chris’ warm compliments stem from his own personal values, which are centered around communication in all forms. “People need to talk things out more often, and be respectful about it. I also believe in communication in the chain effect. If I say something good to somebody, maybe they’ll say something nice to the next person and make them feel good—I’m pretty big on that.” Speaking from personal experience, this chain effect is certainly present at Retreat when Chris is working. Without fail, an interaction with him is one that spreads a smile onto another person’s face and ignites a wholesome exchange of kindness.
When asked what motivates his constant brightness with his interactions, he explained that it comes from empathy. He thinks about what helps him when his mood is low and tries to do the same for others. “Sometimes when you’re thinking about your bad mood, I try to say I’ll put this away and it will get better over time. I like talking to students and my coworkers. If I have some nice conversations with people, it helps me chill out.” His outlook on how we engage with others makes Retreat a better place.
Through compliments, a joyful disposition and thoughtful conversation, Chris Sayain is brightening the Vassar community. Everyone who goes to Retreat is lucky to be able to interact with such a positive presence, one that will surely improve your day.