Get to know SEFS staff! This series provides an opportunity to find out more about SEFS staff members — what they do in their daily job and how they spend their time outside the office.

What is your role at SEFS?

I joined the SEFS advising team in May of 2023 as one of their undergraduate academic advisors! At the moment, I primarily work with ESRM and BSE students, answering any questions related to their academics and advocating for whatever needs that they have. I typically have my door open when I am in the office (and I love visitors!), so please feel free to stop by and say hi if you would like!

Tell us about your college experience

I graduated from the UW in 2022 with a BS in psychology and a minor in education. Though two years of my education were during the pandemic, I tried my best to be involved on campus! Whether it was being a peer advisor in Mary Gates Hall or conducting intersectionality research for the psychology departmental honors program, I found myself within a very supportive community and a passion for diversity work. This pushed me to be involved in other avenues on campus, including the Asian Student Commission, the First Year Experience Council, the Mentor Power for Success Program, and so on. In these spaces, I strived to understand how my identities show up and I recognized the power that came with connection and representation. Thus, listening and leaving space for others became my utmost goal and I aim to embody this in my current position!

Tell us about your road to SEFS

During undergrad, I was a peer advisor/student associate for Undergraduate Academic Affairs (UAA) Advising and the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (in Mary Gates Hall!). It was during these positions that I realized I had a passion for working with students and supporting them in their academic endeavors, particularly in higher education. So, after I graduated, I worked temporarily as a professional staff member at UAA before taking some time off to travel and spend time with family. Six months later, I found myself applying to this position as a temporary worker and permanently joined the team about a month ago!

Where did you grow up?

My grandparents immigrated from the Philippines when my parents were young. This eventually resulted in me being born in Renton, WA — southeast of Seattle. When I was four years old, my family moved further north, and I ended up in the Bothell/Kirkland area for most of my schooling. Luckily, most of my extended family resides nearby, though we try to visit our family in the Philippines as often as we can!

Growing up to the east of Seattle, I became very fond of the lakes in Kirkland. My favorite activity was swimming every summer at Waverly Beach Park and going to the Woodinville Barnes & Noble after school. Generally, a lot of my youth included interests that my older siblings had: ukulele, skateboarding, trampoline parks, hacky sack, etc. (admittedly, my sister had a lot of niche interests).

What are your favorite ways to spend time outside of work?

At my best, I enjoy going on runs around the city’s trails and singing karaoke. I also enjoy doing typical bucket list items: taking a train from Seattle to New York, skydiving, posing for the UW bookstore, etc. On a more typical day, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my friends and family, usually ending with us watching a movie or exploring a new thrift/vintage shop.

Over the last year or so, I’ve also gotten really into wearing rather eccentric clothing. I love to use fashion as a way to express myself, so if you see me walking around in a leather trench coat that is much too big, just know it is my most favorite recent find!

What inspires you?

I grew up in the kind of family that did everything together: grocery shopping, going to the pharmacy, taking a long drive. It could be the most mundane activity (it usually is!), and my dad would still rally the rest of my family into the car. This closeness provided me with a very supportive and uplifting community.

As I have gotten older, I continue to be inspired by my family and friends. While I can no longer attend all of my father’s grocery trips, my family’s generosity motivates me to show up for those that I love. Their compassion has been instilled in me, and I have made it my mission to do the same where I can!