Faces of the front desk
Receptionists Kristina and Erika Tavisora and security guard Patrick Kong are among the first people you see as you walk into Urban. Maybe you’re answering Kristina’s trivia question, chatting with Erika or waving at Patrick on his rounds. The front desk staff works to ensure that Urban stays safe — here’s a look into what their days involve, along with some fun facts about the people who greet you as you pass the front desk each morning.
Daily routine: “My alarm clock rings by 5:00 a.m. I commute from the East Bay, so it takes me about an hour to get here. I get settled in, get ready to clock in by 7:30. Once I’m on, I do my check-ins. It’s my responsibility to check the entire property, making sure there’s no loitering, encampments or anything that can be dangerous towards faculty, staff and students. During an eight-hour day, I’m out on the property, checking out all the nooks and crannies, ensuring everybody feels safe and that nothing can do any harm to anybody. Once I’m off, I commute back to take care of my little family. Dogs, partner and all.”
Favorite part of the day: “My favorite part of the day is being within the community. Whether it’s people walking their dogs or interactions with students and staff and faculty, it’s nice to be out and connected.”
Favorite movie: “Up”
Favorite snack: Mango
Favorite food: Sushi or Cambodian food
Began working at Urban: Feb. 2020
What you want Urban students to know about you: “When I’ve been with students almost four years, that fourth year always has a lot of sentiment tied to it. It feels like I’m watching my own kid blossom into the world, and I love it. It gives me a little fulfillment in life.”
Daily routine: “I wake up at 4:30 in the morning, get ready, drive to work at 6:50. Get here, wipe everything down at the front desk. Say hi to the kids, take attendance, go for a walk at lunch, make sure the shuttle kids get to where they need to be. Leave work at 5:00 p.m., go to my mom’s, take care of her daily needs. Then I go home at about 6:30 [or] 7:00 p.m. [When] I get home, we’ll take care of the dog. Then, get ready for bed and sleep.”
Favorite part of the day: “When I go home and go to bed with my dog and we cuddle.”
Favorite movie: “Summer Magic”
Favorite snack: Watermelon
Favorite meal: Tacos
Began working at Urban: “In 2008 as a volleyball coach. And then I started subbing at the front desk, and then they hired me [full time].”
What you want Urban students to know about you: “I hope students remember me when they move on as someone they could talk to and was nice to them and maybe taught them a little kindness.”
Daily routine: “I wake up at 5:20 a.m. and then get ready for work. Get in the car, drive here and work. Then after work, we’ll drive to my grandma’s house and do all her housework.”
Favorite part of the day: “Going home to my dog named Belle.”
Favorite movie(s): “The Lost Boys,” “Newsies” or “Aladdin”
Favorite snack: Cheese and crackers
Favorite meal: “Anything noodle-based. Ramen especially.”
Began working at Urban: “In 2009, as an assistant Girls Volleyball coach. I was in high school, age 16.”
What you want Urban students to know about you: “I’m not as scary as I seem and I’m always willing to help out if there is a problem.”