Through the Mail Slot: A sneak peek in the life of Sue Washington, mail lady extraordinaire

L: What brought you to the mailroom in Walla Walla?

S: I used to teach preschool, but I was always getting sick. Two years ago I saw a job opening here and I thought, I’ll try Whitman. My husband’s the soccer coach here.

L: So if a student were dying to ask you a question concerning the postal service, where would we be most likely to find you?

S: The soccer field for sure, that’s a given. I’m an avid supporter of the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams. When they’re home, I’m always there –– we have two very good soccer teams. We also love to go out to Bennington Lake with our three dogs; we do a lot of walking with them. My husband and I enjoy playing soccer, but obviously we’re getting older. My husband loves golf, so I gave it a try. It’s not as easy as soccer, but I play it now and again.

L: Where does your cool accent come from?

S: My husband and I are originally from England –– we came here in ’82. My husband’s parents came ahead of us in the late 70s and we came to visit them, only to fall in love with America. We loved the way Americans lived their lives. We just love the outdoors.

L: What’s the best part of working in the mailroom?

S: I didn’t realize how much fun it would be to give students their parcels. It’s a real high for the students, and very satisfying for us. I also love the people I work with –– Marge is a fantastic boss.

L: What is the craziest package you’ve seen come through the Whitman mailroom?

S: One package was literally covered in stamps! We also received a coconut in the mail, with a stamp and address. We sometimes get flower arrangements, too.