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Guillermo Bobadilla Martínez, Caretaker, Facilities

Please tell me about your career journey. How long have you worked at ��Ӱֱ��? What drew you to work here?

I have a degree in Computer Science and, after finishing university, I started working at Coca Cola de Mexico developing programs and databases. I got into sales management and had an opportunity to study for a master's degree. This opened doors for me to continue growing and I was there for several years before I went to another company as a corporate sales manager. I traveled throughout my country promoting sales, customer service, and looking for new prospects. It was a great growth opportunity for me and for the company and, over time, I rose to general manager. I resigned to start my own distribution business.

In recent years, I immigrated from Mexico to Canada with my wife and three children to be closer to family.

In April 2024, I started with the �ϳܱ���’s Career Gateway Program, working in Facilities at the 355 King Street West building. From the beginning, I felt very welcomed, motivated, and able to do my tasks. Even with the language challenge, I understood my responsibilities without problems.

I consider myself someone who adapts and learns quickly. I always try to be helpful, friendly, and respectful.

Through the Gateway Program and with my teacher Ian, I learned a lot. I wish the English classes had continued, but Ian did his best to make the learning experience very helpful, and it supported me a lot.

My family and I moved from Hearst, a small city 13 hours north of here, to be with my sister-in-law who had cancer. When I arrived in Kingston, I was very impressed by ��Ӱֱ��. It is a beautiful and large institution, full of history, culture, and opportunities. I immediately felt it was a place where I could grow and contribute.

I saw working at ��Ӱֱ�� as more than just a job - it was a chance to be part of a community that supports education and people. With the advice and support of my brother-in-law Luis, I applied and was accepted into the Gateway Program, which opened the door for me to start this new chapter.

Please tell me about a typical workday. What do you enjoy most about your role?

A typical workday for me starts with arriving on time, checking supplies, and reviewing my areas. I organize my cleaning schedule because I am responsible for five floors.

From the first day, I noticed which areas need more attention and the best times to clean them. Even if some areas are not listed in the task list, I clean them because I want my areas to always look their best. I believe ��Ӱֱ�� is a beautiful place, and it looks even better when it is clean.

I work diligently, making sure at the end of the day that everything is in good condition. I handle cleaning equipment and machines carefully, and I always make sure to have safety signs put up to prevent any incidents.

I work as a team with my coworkers. Sometimes it is necessary to help other areas, and I am happy to do that because I am committed to the wellbeing of all users.

I always communicate immediately if something needs attention to make sure the work environment is safe and clean.

What motivates or inspires you?

I am motivated by the idea of making a positive impact. Knowing that my work helps create a clean and safe environment for students, professors, and visitors inspires me. I also feel inspired by learning and improving my skills, especially in a place like ��Ӱֱ��, where there are many opportunities to grow.

What have been some of the most important lessons you've learned throughout your career?

I have learned that patience, attention to detail, and good communication are key to doing a good job. I also learned the importance of teamwork and helping others. From my experience, every task is important and doing it well makes a difference for everyone.

What goal would you like to tackle next, either at work or at home?

My personal goal is to improve my English skills. I see this as a way to grow and communicate better with everyone. My professional goal is to continue growing at ��Ӱֱ��. I would like to become a manager of an area because I believe I have the ability, experience, and skills to organize, plan, and manage a team successfully.

What is one thing on your bucket list?

My wish is to save money to buy a house. This is an important goal for me and my family, and I am working hard to make it happen.

What is one skill you would love to learn?

I would like to improve my English skills. I know this will help me in my work and in my personal life. It will give me more confidence and more opportunities to grow.

What do you do for fun?

My family and I enjoy exploring new places. Every weekend, we try to do something different and discover more of this beautiful country. I am curious and like fixing things. On weekends, I work on repairs at the house we rent. I also have experience with cars, so I do simple repairs on my own car together with my son. Most importantly, I enjoy spending time and sharing these moments with my family.

I enjoy watching movies, especially films with Tom Hanks. I also love sports. I am a big fan of football, especially the Dallas Cowboys. I also enjoy Formula One and basketball.

Is there a book, movie, or show that has made an impact on you? In what way was it impactful?

A movie that has made an impact on me is anything with Tom Hanks, because his stories teach important life lessons. Cast Away is a favourite. His movies often inspire me to work hard, be kind, and stay positive even in difficult situations. I also enjoy sports programs because they teach discipline, teamwork, and dedication.

If you could choose one word that sums up �ϳܱ���’s, what would it be and why?

Opportunity. This is a great institution and the people are friendly.

Jackie has helped me a lot. She showed me how to do the work. She is friendly and professional. I learned from her and I’ve had a good experience working with her.