I had the pleasure of interviewing Samuel Vega. Samuel has served as the Holland Museum’s Visitor Services Associate for the past two years. At first, he never pictured himself working in a museum, as he had no idea of the possibility of working for one. He originally thought in order to go into museum work you’d need a degree in either history or museum sciences, but later came to find out that passion and curiosity can still take you places as his degree was in creative writing with a minor in Spanish.
He shared that a typical day in his life consists of completing a checklist of turning on the lights, opening doors, counting money for the cash register, and most often you will find him greeting people, getting them checked in, and informing them of the best ways they can see the museum.
His favorite memory with a guest from this job was with a couple that came from Mexico City. They were initially shy and nervous before Samuel broke down their walls. When starting to speak to them in English they shared they felt lost. When Samuel spoke to them in Spanish they said they were blown away that someone could be so patient and understanding with them. He was gifted a coin by them to remember them by and he still has it today.
He found that his job provides on the ground training on how to interact with people. He has found that latching onto the smallest things that they mention can provide opportunities to engage. Some examples he gave were about complimenting someone on their jewelry or tattoos, you can then ask the background of the necklace, the story behind their tattoos, or if their ears are pierced asking for advice as someone looking to get their ears pierced for the first time. Not only does this help the guest to open up, it starts to build that relationship, even if it’s a small detail.
He shared that growing up he loved history. He felt his education and passion shaped him as an individual. Though he didn’t have some of the language, details, or extra understanding about museums before coming into the job, he still knew the basic importance of keeping history alive.
When asked if he has learned a lesson from his parents that he’s utilized in the role, he answered having an appreciation for things that haven’t had their chance to have their story told. A personal example he gave was about finding a doll in the archives, he researched the doll and found there was so much more beneath the surface. He found a relationship that Holland had with the state of Queretaro, Mexico because of the art form of creating this doll and where it came from. He also found this doll was tied to indigenous Mexican practices.
I asked Samuel if he feels he is constantly growing in this role. To this question he replied that there is more of a focus on how to be adaptable with fast changes and unpredictability. This role has taught him how to be flexible and how you can adapt when growing in a new role.
When asked what item is sold the most at the gift shop, he answered anything tulip or nautical themed. He said he feels around here it is because of a love for nature and the great lakes.
I asked Samuel if he had any skills he underestimated using when working in guest services to which he said that he gained a new appreciation for thinking on your feet and coming up with solutions for guests and offering the next best thing when possible.
When asked what is something that goes unnoticed to the public eye about his job he mentioned he didn’t realize how much on the front lines he truly is. He said through this job his passion was reignited and he gained a better understanding of the language and significance of museum preservation. He wants to be there for people and build partnerships with people who love learning new things, are open to new experiences and also care about developing Art, History, and Culture.
I had a lovely time chatting with Samuel and getting to know more about his role and the positive impact he has made on not only the museum but also on people’s lives.
Grace Srinivasan
Holland Museum Communications Intern