If it hadn’t been for curly cucumbers, Chris Dreger never would have pursued what has become one of her favorite hobbies — bee keeping.      

“About four years ago, the cucumbers in my garden were growing in these curly shapes,” said Dreger, client and patron services manager for the Ferst Center for the Arts. “I had read somewhere that this was the result of poor pollination, so with some help from my husband’s aunt, I got into bee keeping.”

By the following summer, Dreger’s cucumbers looked more uniform and the rest of her produce was thriving, all improvements that she attributes to the bees.

Of course, caring for the two hives has its disadvantages.

“I get stung almost once a week,” she said.

But it has its advantages, too.

“The honey is a perk that I hadn’t even considered,” Dreger said. “But the best part is that my 7-year-old granddaughter enjoys helping me, and she’s just the light of my life.”

Recently, The Whistle had a chance to learn more about Dreger and her time at Georgia Tech.

What did you want to be as a child?  
I wanted to be a nun; I just always thought they were so beautiful, calm and orderly.

How did you get to Georgia Tech?        
Well, I had a job where I trained armed security guards, and one day, my father-in-law, Jim Dreger, who was a professor at Tech, encouraged me to interview for a job here. I really didn’t think I was going to leave my training position. But, I was offered the position, decided to take it and have been at Tech for 26 years.    

Tell us a few things that you want people to know about your job.    
I’m responsible for both the box office and for coordinating the details of all rental  events that happen at the Ferst Center. There’s always something going on here — we hosted 260 events last year. And the Ferst Center doesn’t just host Tech events. We also provide space to various community events like dance recitals, cultural shows and conferences.

What is most satisfying for you about your work?
I really enjoy working with the different groups of people who use this venue. One day I’m working with people from China, the next it’s Bill Cosby, and the next it’s Tech students for Homecoming.

What is a professional accomplishment that you’re proud of?
When I was asked to take on the responsibilities of my current position, I had no idea where to start. I had to teach myself the software and everything else involved in running a box office and coordinating theater events.

Which do you prefer: Facebook, Twitter, or a world without all of this social media stuff?
I like Facebook. It’s an easy way to keep an eye on my friends and family. For example, my youngest (of three) daughters is 22. I can keep an eye on how she’s doing on Facebook, without bugging her too much.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
My father always used to say, “Life is not a dress rehearsal.” I get really focused on doing things just right, so he’d say this to remind me to live a little and not sweat the small stuff.

What is something about you that we didn’t cover that you want to make sure people know?
I make all of my own greeting cards — and have a Christmas card list of 100 people. And I learned how to ride a unicycle when I was 10.