A friendly face in a hopeful place: Security officer shares St. Jude spirit with everyone he meets

The Journey to the Jude series highlights how St. Jude employees developed a passion for their careers and how that journey translates to their current roles.??

Security officer Augustine Ntah still remembers what he had for lunch? on his first day working at St. Jude.?

"I had turkey legs and pasta, like a macaroni made with American cheese. I don't know who made it, but I really loved that pasta," he says.?

?While the food was delicious, the lasting memory serves as a reminder of first impressions and behind-the-scenes contributions. Ntah considers both essential to his role within the St. Jude Security Department.?

"Everything Security does is for the good of St. Jude and everybody here. We keep doing our best to make sure this campus is safe," he says. "Organization of the hospital—how large and well-planned—was one of the things that attracted me most. St. Jude is like a city with patients, families, employees and property. We have a lot going on, so we need to respond at any time we are needed."?

"When people get to the gate where I’m working, I tell them, 'Welcome to St. Jude. You're at the best place you can be.' Saying hi and how are you doing, checking on people, encouraging them," he said. "Bringing a little joy and making somebody's day—that's what matters."?

Augustine says his welcoming personality stems from his heritage, of which he is immensely proud. He thinks of St. Jude as an extension of his homeland, the central African country of Cameroon.?

?"Cameroon is a blessed nation and beautiful place," he says. "I see a lot of similarities between Cameroon and St. Jude. St. Jude is ready to welcome you and appreciate the person you are. Our good qualities dominate."?

?The culture of collaboration is a defining feature of the St. Jude workforce.?Augustine said he appreciates how everyone works together and can contribute ideas and feedback to help the institution move forward.?

"You are very important, and your ideas count here. People are encouraged to speak up in a constructive way," he says. "Our founder Danny Thomas had a vision, and he stood with it. St. Jude keeps growing because that same vision and spirit is in the minds of those who are here now."?

Augustine says he feels St. Jude sets a strong example of valuing employees with its 116-flag display in the Danny Thomas Research Center atrium where each flag represents the homeland of current St. Jude employees.?

"It's an honor and privilege to see the Cameroon flag lifted, and I appreciate St. Jude for doing that. It teaches us that we might come from diverse places, but we are coming together to form one person," Augustine says. "Everyone is working hard, making this place beautiful."??

Story by Sasha Steinberg, St. Jude?