NEW FACES, FRESH TAKE

ABA's Newest Staff Share First Impressions

In a special feature for this edition of the newsletter, ABA FOCUS presents a few of the newest staff in ABA's family and their first impressions of ABA and Sac State.

Name, Title, Department: Italo Ciccarelli, Community Service Specialist, Public Safety

How long have you worked in your current position? Four months

What were some of your first impressions of your new workplace, and Sac State in general? Very pleasant and peaceful to work in. All my co-workers are very nice and all Sac State staff and faculty I have met so far are wonderful. 

Do you know the ABA Mission, Vision, Values, and Code of Conduct? If not, do you know where to find them?  I don't know them yet, but the info can be found on the Sac State website.

What is your favorite thing about ABA so far? I would say my colleagues. They are always very nice and helpful.

What are your greatest strengths as an employee? I love my job! I am very resourceful and passionate about making the Sac State community better for everybody.

Name, Title, Department: Margaret Hwang, Administrative Analyst/Specialist, Administrative Operations

How long have you worked in your current position? If this isn’t your first position on campus, how long have you worked on campus? I have worked in my current position since May 12, 2014. I started with the College of Continuing Education in 2005 so I have worked on campus for about nine years.

What were some of your first impressions of your new workplace, and Sac State in general? My first impressions of ABA were great! For example, when I was sitting in SAC 272 waiting for my interview to start, I noticed the Peer Awards poster that was prominently displayed at the front desk. I was impressed that there was such an organized staff awards process and was excited to join a division that recognizes its staff. After I started my new position, it was immediately apparent to me that ABA colleagues are extremely gracious and are more than willing to assist you if you need help!

Do you know the ABA Mission, Vision, Values, and Code of Conduct? If not, do you know where to find them? I got a very cool mug on my first day on the job. I received the mug that has ABA’s Vision on it so I am very familiar with our vision. Our mission, vision, values, and code of conduct are all very proudly displayed on our About ABA website.

What is your favorite thing about ABA so far? I really enjoy working with our immediate team in the VP’s office, but I also enjoy working with ABA colleagues across the different families. ABA is such an encompassing division, and I love to see the tangible output of what we accomplish. It’s like we are the motor that keeps the University running smoothly.  It is fantastic to see!

What are your greatest strengths as an employee? I find intrinsic value helping others achieve their goals. I like to organize things, and like to connect project points together so projects are completed on time, on target, and in a collaborative manner.

What is your name, title, and department? Tracy Jordahl, ASC II for VP/CFO, Administration and Business Affairs

How long have you worked in your current position? My first campus position! I started June 2, 2014.

What were some of your first impressions of your new workplace, and Sac State in general? The landscaping on campus is beautiful.  Coming from the Midwest, seeing redwoods and the like still makes an impression on me.  Also, everyone I talked to around campus seems to have worked at Sac State for years – people are happy to stay.  That speaks volumes about Sac State as an employer.

Do you know the ABA Mission, Vision, Values, and Code of Conduct? If not, do you know where to find them? I know I can find them on the coffee mugs on my desk!

What is your favorite thing about ABA so far? I appreciate the positive attitudes and helpfulness I’ve encountered.  Also, during my first week here the ABA spring social and USA staff picnic took place.  I was hoping this would be a weekly thing.     

What are your greatest strengths as an employee?  I think I have a positive attitude, a decent sense of humor, and strong organizational skills. 

What is your name, title, and department? Meuy Saechao, Refund Specialist, Student Financial Services Center

How long have you worked in your current position? I’ve been working at my current position for almost four months.

What were some of your first impressions of your new workplace, and Sac State in general? My first impression of my new workplace is "this is too good to be true." My colleagues made me feel very welcome and a part of the team. I am in love with the environment in the office and the family-like aspect of the team. Sac State has been nothing but great! The vibrant and ever growing wondrous trees surrounding the campus makes it that much more enjoyable.

Do you know the ABA Mission, Vision, Values, and Code of Conduct? If not, do you know where to find them? As part of the ABA division I think it is vital to know the Mission, Vision, Values, and Code of Conduct in order to succeed as an employee. That information could be found on the ABA website under the "About Us" link.

What is your favorite thing about ABA so far? My favorite thing about ABA so far is the unity that we have as a division. Alongside that, we have the best planned activities, which makes it that much more fun.     

What are your greatest strengths as an employee? My greatest strength as an employee is that I am a highly motivated and confident person. I am very passionate about my job and this industry, which allows me to give my best performance.