All is Well

Name: Nicole Rae Valencia

Administrative Analyst, UCR Library

UCR Wellness Ambassador

Friend of UCR Botanic Gardens

Society '54 Member

I've had the pleasure of working in Library Administration for 2 years. I arrived on this beautiful campus as an affiliate August 1, 2016. Just before Christmas 2016, I applied for and accepted a permanent position – the best Christmas present ever!

My professional background has always involved customer service, starting with a 10 year career in retail at Stater Bros. Markets. With the repetitive motion of a cashier starting to cause wear and tear on my body, I sought an office job. I spent 5 years in the RV manufacturing industry working business-to- business, until the nation-wide company closed its California location with the turn of the economy and the closure of 3 big customers – National RV, Alfa Leisure, and Weekend Warrior. I spent another 5 years assisting with homeowner insurance claims in the construction/ restoration industry. I then enjoyed the majority of 2015 at Ashdown College of Health Sciences, a small, private medical massage school in Redlands, before it closed permanently on 12/31/15. My time there was fulfilling and ignited my passion for working in higher education. In the Spring of 2016, I was a temp at the University of Redlands, and in Summer Quarter of 2016 I was thankfully led to the University of California, Riverside.

Although I never had much patience for photography, I immediately had a fascination with capturing and posting photos of the campus, starting with the iconic UCR Bell Tower. I looked for ways to get involved on campus, becoming a Friend of the UCR Botanic Gardens in March 2017 and a Wellness Ambassador in May 2017. My husband & I started an annual tradition walking the Cesar Chavez 5K April 2017 and 2018, an enjoyable walk around the parameter of campus.

I appreciate the numerous wellness opportunities on campus via the Wellness Program and Healthy Campus Initiative - for my well-being and the opportunity to network with other departments. A vegetarian since 2001, I am grateful for the abundance of delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes that are offered through campus dining, and that they serve ecogrounds coffee! Every where I look there is the effort towards going “green”, sustainability and health. I've truly found my place in higher ed, particularly at UCR!

Yours in Health,

Nicole Rae Valencia

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