Meet Eileen Garcia. Wait a minute! There is no way you don’t already know her. Having worked with Student Services for six years constantly interacting with students and staff, Eileen has become the face of the department. Unfortunately for us, her time here is approaching an end. As of next week, she will be preparing for a new chapter in her life. In her swan song interview, she talks about her years back home, her time here, and her impending nuptials.
Well, you’ve been working here for a long time, but what happened in the time before this?
I grew up in Manila, Philippines. I was a normal kid, loved playing with my Barbies (I had eight of them). As I grew up, I took up marketing in an all-girls school from which I graduated in the year 2000. I worked in my first company back home for two years, four years in the second one, and then joined AUD when I came to Dubai.
What have the six years working here been like?
I’ve loved it! Of all the jobs I’ve had, this one’s been my favorite. I’ve loved working with my colleagues; they are the best people that I know in all of Dubai! I also love that I got to work with students. They hang out, they talk to me, and share their problems with me. Working with young people makes me feel young too.
What do you find to be the most difficult and challenging part of working with young people though?
Sometimes, we have students who are a little bit spoiled (but not rude). They’re just used to having someone else do their work for them. When they come here, they expect us to do that for them too. It’s not their fault; they were raised in an atmosphere that encourages that. Nevertheless, we slowly teach them that they’re mature enough to do the responsible work, and they learn.
You worked in a completely different work environment before this. Tell us more about that.
I came from a corporate background, where you sleep and wake up with nothing but numbers in your head. The company I worked in dealt with American clients so it operated on U.S. time. Due to the twelve-hour difference, I had to work a night shift, which made me feel like a vampire (call me Bella). This job is very laid back compared to that. And, I get to sleep like a normal person.
We know that you’re the busiest person around because you’re always found at your desk. But, what do you for fun?
The mall is my favorite place; you can do everything there! Not necessarily for shopping, I really enjoy eating, looking around, watching the world go by. If I’m at home, I like to watch movies. Oh, and baking, I love doing that! Back in the Philippines, I’d spend the weekend with family. The last working day of the week there is Friday, so I would get together with friends during the day. My favorite part was the summer. I’d work hard and save up to have fun during my annual leave. I lived in the city, so I’d go far to the beach to let loose.
You really enjoy music; we’ve all seen you sing along. What inspired this love?
We are a family of musicians. My dad and sister play guitar, my brother plays guitar, violin, and drums, and my mom sings. I’m the only one who cannot do any of that. I don’t know why. I even forced myself but no gift there (laughs) But I do love to sing anyway. I think when you sing it makes you happy.
You are getting married! Tell us more about that.
We have been in a relationship from before I even came here. We’ve spent six years apart so we decided that it’s finally time for us to stop waiting and get married. He has a business set up there which would be very hard to run from here, so I’m the one who has to move back there. Hence, no more chilling on Dubai for me (laughs).
What are your favorite things? Food? Movie? Song?
I love food. My favorite food is a Filipino dish called Sinigang (a tamarind-based soup with either shrimp, beef, or pork). My favorite films are “Love Affair” and “Reality Bites”. Since I’m getting married, my favorite song these days is “Till There Was You” by The Beatles, which is hopefully also my wedding dance.
The students feel very close to you. Any advice for the current crop?
In whatever they do, they must ensure that they make their loved ones proud. Always think of them, if they feel proud of you, it means you’re doing the right thing.
Lastly, anything you want to say to your dear colleagues?
I will miss everyone, especially my colleagues. We became very close. I’ll never forget them, unless of course, I get Amnesia! (laughs).
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