What do you really do at CLS?
As a front desk lead, I do my best to keep up to date with anything that’s going on around the (Bakar) Fitness Center. I’m part of the Operations team, so I make sure that things in the facility are running smoothly. I’m working together with my team to troubleshoot and find solutions to make things better so our gym continues to be the amazing facility that it is.
How long have you worked at UCSF?
I started back in fall of 2019 as a part-time operations clerk, but the gyms closed 5 months later due to COVID. Fast forward two years later, the gym reopened so I came back as a part-time lead operations clerk. Now, I’m working full-time as a lead and am hoping to continue my growth with fitness. Altogether, minus COVID, I’d say I’ve been with UCSF for about 3 and a half years now.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Being part of a community. I feel like we’re so community-oriented where everyone just knows each other, says Hi, and just pauses what they’re doing for a second to catch up. I also find it interesting how my work and gym community are intertwined with each other. It’s cool seeing colleagues and familiar gym faces going after it and having similar goals of staying fit; it motivates me to keep going too.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out at UCSF?
UCSF is an amazing organization with various growth opportunities, whether you decide to stay in a specific department or work in a different one. I love how that choice is available. There is one good piece of advice I heard at a seminar that resonated with me when it comes to growing within UCSF: having situational awareness. Essentially, just be aware or in the know of the things that are going on around you so that you’re prepared and have an answer/solution to any question/problem/situation that may arise.
Angel pulling up on a pull up bar.
What did you do before coming to UCSF or CLS?
I was in my last year of an undergrad program at SF State when I first started at UCSF. Once I graduated, I worked as a physical therapy aide. While I was working as an aide, I came back to UCSF once the gym re-opened as a lead operations clerk at Bakar. I was working two part-time jobs for a bit, then decided to move forward solely with UCSF as I felt like I had more opportunities for growth here.
Where'd you grow up?
I was born and raised in Quezon City, Philippines, which is close to Manila. At 10 years old, I moved to Daly City, which some might refer to as “Little Manila”.
What do you do for yourself when you're not working?
When I’m not working, I’m either lifting heavy weights at Bakar, going for a walk around the city, or paddling on a dragon boat at Lake Merced.
Anything else you'd like your colleagues to know about you?
I love doing pull-ups; it's my favorite exercise. My goal one day is to be able to do a 45lb weighted pull-up. (-:
