|
OUT OF AFRICA: STUDENT WORKER SUPERSTARS IN BUSINESS SERVICES OFFICE
It�s a big world out there, but
here at the University of Houston, we attract the best and the
brightest. Although Samuel Holmes and Abraham Tadesse had both
made their way from Africa to the University of Houston, their
paths had never crossed until they entered the doors of the
Business Services offices. The two began their positions as
student workers in February 2011 and have since gained high
praises from the staff for their hard work and great attitudes.
�When we first interviewed Abe and Sam, we were almost sure we
found the right work study students for our department..and we
were right beyond all expectations!� said Peggy Levy, UH
Policies and Procedures Coordinator. �If Abe and Sam do not know
about a subject or process, they find out quickly and perform it
flawlessly.�
Tadesse, an accounting junior, was born in Ethiopa and came to
Houston in 2004, attending middle and high school here. Holmes,
a supply chain and logistic technology senior, joined the
Houston population several years later in 2007 as an
international student from Liberia. Both applied for the jobs
after discovering the positions online.
�It�s a good opportunity that I got this job because it relates
to my major,� said Tadesse. �It�s showing me what I can expect
in a job.�
Tadesse and Holmes are responsible for office coordinator duties
in the Business Services department. Their duties range from
placing orders, creating vouchers and shipping contracts to
purchasing office supplies and scanning documents. Holmes said
this position has shown him a different side of business and has
also given him valuable shipping and distribution experience.
�I�m not only learning in class, but I�m coming to work and
applying what has been taught to me. It�s preparing us for the
work force,� Holmes said.
The Business Services department is located on the Energy
Research Park campus in Building 2 a few blocks away from the
main campus, where Tadesse said they have had the opportunity to
meet many people that are �behind the scenes� at the university.
�It�s good to be over here and meet the people that are
important and kind of running the university. It�s cool to see
them and meet them and know their background,� Tadesse said.
Outside of his position, Tadesse is also a member of the Houston
Students of Ethiopians and Eritreans. He is currently
campaigning to become treasurer of the group. He said this year
is going to be a busy year for their organization because they
will be hosting the national convention for students from all
over North America. He also loves to play soccer and hopes to
make the intramural team at the Campus Recreation and Wellness
Center this year.
Holmes came to UH from Lone Star College where he received a
two-year degree. He is currently holding the office of vice
president for Supply Chain Industrial Distribution Organization-SIDO
based out of the College of Technology, and is also a member of
the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. He is
sponsored this year by the Houston CSCMP Roundtable Chapter and
will be the only student from Houston to attend the CSCMP 2011
Global Conference in Philadelphia. He is also one of the first
graduates of the Cougar Leadership Institute.
Holmes is the former Lone Star College men�s number one ranked
tennis player and former five time Liberia national junior
tennis champion. He is working on starting his own organization
for at-risk children in Liberia called the Holmes Tennis and
Education Foundation (www.holmestennisfoundation.org).
�I wanted to give back to kids that I grew up with in the
community and help them by providing after school programs to
teach them leadership. I want to use my experiences from over
here in the U.S. to help them become leaders in their
community,� Holmes said.
Holmes and Tadesse have been welcome additions to the
Administration and Finance family as well as strong examples of
Cougar excellence at the University of Houston. The staff in
Business Services appreciates the great contributions the two
student workers have made in their department.
�Abe and Sam have been with Business Services for seven months,
and they have been hard workers since day one,� said Diane
Lyons-Sylvester, Financial Coordinator for Business Services.
�They are always lending a hand, giving support, are very
helpful and always sharing knowledgeable information. These are
two great guys who are very intelligent, excelling in school and
work. A&F�s Business Services has been graced with two of the
best student workers here at the university and we are proud to
call them ours. Abe and Sam � Keep up the good work and we thank
you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of our team!�
|
|