Q: How did you get started in LSA Technology Services?
I started in the summer of 2013 while attending Eastern Michigan University. I knew a student here at Michigan who worked for LSA Information Technology, which is now part of LSA Technology Services, who suggested I apply for an open student temporary position because they loved the job and thought it would be a great fit for me as well. It’s been six years since then, so I think they were right!
Q: Tell us a little about the work you do as a Desktop Support Specialist.
As a Support Specialist I feel that it’s my job to specialize in supporting every aspect of technology that my users encounter. Whether that’s helping purchase a computer, installing a fuser, or troubleshooting a problem that’s disabling their ability to work. It’s just as important to me that I do all those things with a smile on my face and an attitude that just may brighten their day.
Q: You recently moved from the Modern Languages Building (MLB) support area to the Randall Lab area. What’s been the most rewarding part of being in a different location?
The most rewarding part of the move has been the realization of the impact I’ll be able to make on more people within LSA by literally supporting another subgroup of users within LSA Technology Services. It has also been rewarding to make new friends amongst my colleagues and learn even more from their vast amount of knowledge, resources, and experiences.
Q: What gets you excited about coming to work?
I’m a natural helper so coming to work and being able to ease someone’s life by helping them with their technical needs is amazing to me. I also personally feel very important to the process. For instance, when there was a front page article about the self driving cars on campus, I thought about the technicians that helped the engineering team that was able to accomplish these great things. Another situation was when the mom of a previous student of mine had one of the rarest operations here at the university and I thought about the technicians that help keep the imaging computers and machines running so that life saving discoveries can be possible. In my previous job, I worked with language departments and thought about how one of my previous colleagues from when I was a student now works as a translator for our government and how the technology I helped faculty to use helped teach him the language he uses to protect our country. I say all that to say, I take my work seriously. I love my job and my help goes further, which is what I feel we are all here to do.
Q: What is something you learned in the last week?
Since my very recent move, I’ve worked with my colleagues Marlin and Linda to add someone as an administrator in Linux which was really fun and a huge learning experience since I’ve yet to learn Linux.
Q: When you are out of the office, what interests or hobbies do you enjoy?
Honestly, this is so sad, but I enjoy watching Love and Hip-Hop and Basketball Wives on TV. And lots of sports, especially football and basketball.
Q: Do you have any pets?
I have two dogs: Ziggy who is a two-year-old rescue Chihuahua who I have little control over, and Nyla who is a seven-month-old miniature Chihuahua that is four pounds of total cuteness!
Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I think people would be surprised to know I cut grass for about 10-15 yards in the Metro Detroit area every weekend. And, I’m always cold!
