What area do you work in within the VPFA portfolio? What is your current position, and what are your job responsibilities?
I am a custodian for CPFM Facilities; I work the swing shift.
I like to describe my job as similar to the tooth fairy. There is an element of magic to it because you know you're doing a good job when no one is sure if you are real or not!
What brought you to this position at the UO?
I originally joined CPFM about a year ago. I had been trying to get in for a few years before I made it. It is hard to get in, even to get to the interview stage. I was actually pretty interested in the tuition benefits to start with because I was interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice. I am not sure about all that now; for now this is a good place to work with good people.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career?
I come from a not-well-to-do background financially. Persevering has been difficult at times, I will be honest. Money kind of rules the world, so that is hard. I could be mad if I wanted to. I don’t make the rules but I get to play the game. Frankly, any progress I make feels like I succeeded in moving a mountain. So, I am pleased to be where I am and I worked hard and to get here.
What is your work history and education that enabled you to attain your current position?
For most of my life I have worked in restaurants or custodial positions. It is not necessarily where I would prefer to be, but the custodial positions are generally consistent and safe work.
I was the custodial supervisor for Valley River Inn for a year and then the Covid closures hit the hospitality industry. That was a great job; I worked with some interesting people and met people from all walks of life when I worked different conventions. It was a fun chapter that prepared me well for this position.
How has working at UO enabled your professional goals and interests?
I have been here a year as of this month. My time at the university has really spurred my interest in learning. Even though I have not yet taken classes at the UO, I have been learning Japanese and picking up some skills in video editing. I miss being in school. Learning makes you feel like you are accomplishing something. I learned a little bit of Spanish and that didn’t stick with me. I learned German in high school—partly because I thought it would be somewhat rebellious. It was a good program because we were connected to a sister school in Bayern, Germany. So I have some experience with languages. And right now, I am really enjoying Japanese.
What do you like about your current position?
I like the hours and I really like where I work. I am the custodian for Moss Street Children’s Center, which is a lovely place to work. The kids are great and the teachers are kind. It’s nice because sometimes I get to interact with the kids and the teachers; occasionally they ask me to play music for the kids.
Please share some insight into what your job involves.
Every building on campus is held to a certain standard of cleaning. At Moss Street, there is an even higher standard of cleaning because it is important to make things extra clean for the teachers and children.
It is nice to know that I can maintain a high standard and do all the cleaning to fit their needs. I like working there because I get to be a part of their learning journey—I know if the kids have found fun new ways and places to hide the blueberries. Some days my job is like Where’s Waldo? but with glitter.
One of the most interesting days I have had was when they made fake snow and a winter wonderland out of Styrofoam. I had to clean that up—and honestly, it vacuums up really well so that was easy to clean. The teachers were really apologetic but I didn’t mind at all.
What advice do you have for others? What would you share with someone thinking of applying to the UO?
Be patient—especially when it comes to trying to get hired at the UO. The hiring cycles are tough to understand so you have to be patient. If you have a minimum of one year of custodial experience, the odds of getting an interview are higher, so keep trying. It may take time but it’s worth it.
My general advice is to slow down. You don’t want to miss the trees for the forest.
A little about myself:
I am a musician. I play a few different instruments, but it is mostly the guitar. I have a bluegrass outfit I started with a group of friends about a month ago. We have all been playing for ages, but we only recently figured out that we all have the time to play together regularly. I have been playing bluegrass for ten years and music for about 14 years. I think the guitar is the most accessible instrument besides the piano; it has easily recalled shapes. The bluegrass group, hopefully, is going to play the Whiteaker Block Party.
My favorite food is lasagna. I feel like it is the cake of pasta; it’s layered and has noodles. What’s not to love?
I would like to be remembered as an example. Whether that example is good, bad, or something else, I want whoever comes next to learn from me.
(May 2023)