What do you really do at CLS?
I’m a custodian at Facilities. I used to work at the café in the same building I work as a custodian at now (High Noon café at UCOP in Oakland) when I started talking to Grace (Custodial Assistant Superintendent) and that’s how I got the job.
How long have you worked at UCSF?
I’ve worked here 9 months.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Just interacting with people, our stakeholders. I grew a bond with them since I’ve known those people for several years working at the café. I like that you grow with them, and you can talk about your days. It makes you forget about work for a little and think about, “how’s life? Besides work.” They make you feel a part of the team.
Funny story, the people I used to work at the café with, I grew a bond with them. When I got this job at UCSF, I ended up bringing my old coworkers on too. We always get together once a month here and we have a potluck.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out at UCSF?
To give it all you’ve got. I feel like UCSF is a really good place to keep going. To never stop. When I worked at the café It’s not like I was going to get promoted to make better sandwiches! There’s a future at UCSF. I see myself; I see other stories of people starting as a custodian and reaching to their goal. You’re always going to keep advancing. There’s always going to be doors opening at UCSF. I love my boss Grace cause she always tells me, “I love you guys but that doesn’t mean I want you to stay where you’re at forever. I want you to achieve and keep going. One day you could be like me.” I love that advice. She sees us as more than just here. I have a great boss and I feel like she will guide me in the right direction.
Where'd you grow up?
I grew up in Oakland, CA.
What motivated you in your journey?
I have two boys. A six-year-old and an eight-year-old. I want to move out of Oakland, they motivate me. I worked at the café for a long time. I felt like I was stuck there, and my husband was the one that motivated me. He said you need to go and get somewhere that has benefits. I am grateful for what I have now. I’m grateful for the open doors and that motivates me to keep on going. My kids and my job were life changing to me. All the stakeholders that I know from working at the café know that I love my new job and I love UCSF. I’ve had my bad days, and the only bright side was knowing I have this job.
Paola's nail art!
What do you do for yourself when you're not working?
Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a cosmetologist. Instead of going to get my nails done, I do my own nails, I do my own hair, and my own lashes. I can spend hours doing my own nails or eyelashes. In the next lifetime I would have my own salon.
Anything else you'd like your colleagues to know about you?
At the end of the day what makes me feel at home is my second home being with them. Being at work. When we get together it’s just something that I can’t explain. I don’t come from a big family, so when my team gets together my boss is doing a good job. Just getting together in this moment and appreciating each other and getting to know each other a little bit more. They’re my family too at the end of day.
