Hello to anyone that comes upon this in class! My name is John Gonzalez, and I currently reside in Miami. It’s a beautiful locale with plenty to see and do, and is much more preferable to the winter – so long as you don’t mind a housing crisis. I’m currently working at Florida International University, acting as the Library Manager for the FIU College of Law. This allows me to mix project management with user services, leading a team in ensuring our space is clean, safe for our students, and has all the resources law students need! When I’m not studying or working, I’m usually with family, playing video games, or reading – though lately, I’ve been stepping into the field of Dungeons and Dragons (curse Stranger Things!).
I’m also lucky enough to be in my final semester of the MLIS program here at FSU. I’m particularly excited about this class, as it will allow me to finish my certification requirements in User Services! I consider myself a creative person, but I am really lacking in technical skills; my fine-hand motor skills are probably at the level of a baby’s first meal on their own. So I’m hoping we can utilize tools that will create beautiful work that is original and fun. Looking forward to working with you all!
Hi, John. I find it inspiring that you have so much experience in the library field before graduation this semester. Do you have experience in law as well or hope to? I would be interested in hearing what your career plans entail post-graduation. I am also excited to learn more technical skills as I have a photography degree, but little experience with video and audio mediums. Best of luck to you!
I’m happy to be inspiring, but I think I happened upon my library job and just have… failed upwards? It might be imposter syndrome talking, but I really do think I got lucky getting to be a member of this institution – especially acting as its manager (not complaining though!). I don’t have experience in Law, but it’s something I have considered. Just concerned about the workload, the cost, and the challenges Law Schools and ABA are facing right now in Florida – so if I did, I’d attempt school outside of our Sunshine State. If you are really interested in working at an academic library, we can talk more about the opportunities in Florida!
Hey John, I think we may have a mutual connection whom i work with at MDPLS, and whom you used to work with at FIU. The struggle is real with the housing here, I checked the other day where rental prices were and they haven’t budged. Do you plan on staying in Miami long term? I honestly plan on leaving eventually. But Miami will always be home even though it has changed so much. Are you form here originally? Congrats on your career path as well, its interesting to see how much FIU has grown since I graduated from there in 2012.
Hey Kenny – I have to imagine you’re talking about Caroline? She’s a hoot-and-a-half, so you’re lucky if that’s your current work friend; and it’s cool you both are doing your MLIS together! I really don’t want to leave Miami if I can help it: my family lives here, and it’s my city, and I hate the idea that I’d be booted out by Blackrock Mortgage and other issues. We’ll see what happens though.
Hey John! I love the South Florida area. I’ve been to Fort Lauderdale a ton with my family and always love it. Seems like you already have a lot of experience working in libraries before you graduate, that’s great! Do you plan to stay on at FIU or to look elsewhere after graduation? I also am in my last semester of graduate school and have learned a lot pertaining to technology in the library world. I do always have a lot of room to learn and am excited to see what we explore in this class. Best of luck to you this semester and after!