Staff Spotlight: Teresa Curiel
Energy, Intelligence & Determination: Congratulations Teresa on Your Achievements!
Not too long ago, Residential Operations hired someone with an incredible story, an amazing work ethic, a kindhearted personality, and tremendous potential. This person is Teresa Curiel.
Teresa was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States. She experienced many struggles that she had to overcome to get here, and has conquered many obstacles here including learning another language and adapting to a new country outside of her home.
When she was hired here at UC Santa Barbara, she came in as a Sr. Custodian. From there, she transitioned into an administrative role in the Operation Service Center, and then found her passion for accounting while working in the finance office for Residential Operations. While there, she taught herself most of the Procurement Gateway system and has become an essential part of our business. Among these accomplishments, she began her journey of continuing her education by pursuing her Professional Accounting Certificate.
Once she began classes, it was more than a five year journey full of hard work and little sleep, while taking care of her three children on her own. It is with great joy that I am sharing with you now that Teresa Curiel has accomplished her goal and completed her Professional Accounting Certificate! Let's be clear about recapping the circumstances she endured while on her road to personal achievement:
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The world was literally burning! California had its worst fires in state history, threatening her own home at one point
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Global Pandemic with COVID-19
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Single mother with three children
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Immigrated to the United States
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Started as a Sr. Custodian, and is now an Analyst for Residential Operations
I am proud to know and work with someone like this who possesses both the intellectual capacity and mental fortitude to pull off a feat like this with a grace and positivity that would inspire anybody. She certainly inspires me.