Claudia Blount. Graphic by Jaylene Arnold.

I’ve worked at AU for 10 years. I started at the law school, then two years ago I began working at SIS. My job is to work with campus partners on the admissions side, ensuring they understand admissions policies and stay on track with our enrollment goals. I also work with prospective students, alumni, and current students and manage social media accounts, web content, and virtual and in-person events.

A typical day starts with a homemade iced latte. I meet with prospective students, partners, and our admissions team to address questions about university policies. I also have calls with students, alumni, and faculty to create content for social media and the web. My office is in the East Quad Building, but I work mostly remotely. Even still, I think campus is at its prettiest during spring, Cherry blossoms are beautiful throughout campus.

The person who showed me the ropes was Marie-Eve Augier, she was the coordinator at WCL when I started. She’s no longer here, but she was my mentor in many ways, and became a close friend. We stay in touch and try to see each other whenever she’s in town. I found my community through my current team, which is very close-knit despite working remotely. We meet online regularly and have team-building meetings once a month. I also chair the Latino and Hispanic Faculty and Staff Affinity Group, and I work with students through the AU Latino and Hispanic Mentorship Program.

I show my AU spirit by sharing important university awards, news, and milestones through my personal social media.

When I’m not at work, you can find me cooking or watching cooking shows like Top Chef. My hobbies include experimenting with different coffee recipes using our new espresso machine, which has been a life changer. I also play the guitar and spend time with my eight-year-old daughter and two-year-old son. On weekends, we like to play music together.

The last great book I read was The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama. The last great show I watched was The Bear. The last great meal I had was barbacoa, a traditional Mexican dish cooked by my dad for my son’s first birthday.

One of my most DC moments was taking my kids to the top of the Washington Monument. It took several tries to get tickets, but it was worth it. The most famous face I’ve seen on campus is Loretta Lynch, former US attorney general Backstage at commencement and Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2016 at the law school’s ribbon cutting ceremony.

If I didn’t work at AU, I would have gone to culinary school or become a barista. But my job at AU is best because it has given me opportunities to connect with the community. This role has allowed me to build a broad network within my affinity group and make meaningful connections.