Getting to Know: Sherry Gray

Getting to Know is our blog series in which we interview West Campus staff members. This week’s guest is Sherry Gray, Senior Administrative Assistant at the Yale Energy Sciences Institute. Sherry has been at Yale for six years and came to the West Campus in September 2017.

What’s the best thing that’s happened to you so far this week?

I am starting a new diet! 

Where is your favorite place in the world?

London, I even named my youngest daughter London, and I hope that we can go together one day.

Favorite restaurant and favorite dish?

Grilled Atlantic Salmon. Throw in some rice, maybe corn. I love sea food. I have many favorite restaurants. Gabriel’s on the post road here in Orange is great and their seafood stuffed mushrooms are the best. Elis is good too. You just have to try their buffalo chicken egg rolls. Oh my gosh!

Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?

The Dominican Republic. It was humbling to see the different way people live. One US dollar is the same as around 50 pesos there. I had an opportunity to see the real culture of the place, and it made me appreciate the things we take for granted here. I’ve never seen three people on a motorcycle taxi before!

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

Well, in my high school year book I said I wanted to be a flight attendant. I think I just wanted to see different parts of the world for free! Maybe I’m a bit too clumsy to balance drinks during turbulence!

What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now at Yale?

Recently I’ve been engaged with the Yale African American Affinity Group. Their social events are fun. They had a black trivia event for Black History Month, and they have STEM events too! I’ve also been going to Working Women Events too. It’s an effective way to socialize with people. I’m from New Haven, so it’s always interesting to meet people at Yale who I was at school with!

Your favorite line from a movie?

There’s a nonsensical line in the Ice Cube film All about the Benjamins when Mike Epps sings his lotto song - “Do do do do do 45 47!” It just makes me laugh all the time! 

What hot tip would you share with someone new to Yale?

You’re here at Yale, so make your job a happy place to be. The effort you put in is what you’ll get out of it. Meet people where they are. We all have bad days, but most people are willing to help you.