Hello, my name is . . . Christine Pimentel
Each Monday, the Daily Voice introduces you to a member of the UMass Medical School community—could be a new face, or maybe someone who has been around for a while. We’ve asked our subjects to answer a few questions that reveal a little of their personalities. If you know someone who you’d like to see profiled, let us know at ummscommunications@umassmed.edu.
What brought you here to UMass Medical School?
My car. Seriously . . . UMass was a customer of Avaya’s [her former employer] for its voice mail system. The Avaya representative heard that there was a job opening here and mentioned it to me. It sounded interesting. The timing was perfect. I was getting married the next year and wanted a job that did not have me traveling all over the U.S. Heck, I was getting married at 40 for the first time and wanted to spend as much time as I could with my husband!
What do you love most about the work that you do?
The most fulfilling thing is being able to help out the employees and know I have helped them do their jobs a little bit better or easier. I have met so many wonderful people here.
Best kept secret about your department.
If you want something from a technician, bring them in homemade food! They’ll do anything for you.
Which trait do you most admire in yourself?
I am so proud that my parents raised me to always respect other people and to just be myself. If you like yourself, you will come across as positive and bring joy to others.
What’s the question you’re most often asked about your work—and the answer?
Well, it used to be “How can I delete a voice mail message while it is playing?” The answer is “press 33.” It amazed me that no one knew this, and the system had been in place for over 5 years at that time. Now it is, “How do you have so much patience?” The answer: I love what I do and like that I can help others.
Describe yourself in six words or fewer.
Happy, positive, creative and a bit crazy. Ask my fellow cruise travelers . . .
If you were stranded on a desert island, name three things you would want.
Practical Me: My family, my friends and my cat
The Dreamer Me: George Strait, Johnny Depp and a camera!
If you could have dinner with a famous person, living or dead, who would that be?
Ellen DeGeneres. She is an amazing person. She is kind, funny and inspires me to be a better person.
What has surprised you most about UMass Medical School?
All of the discoveries that the researchers have made. I am in awe of their brilliance.
What do you consider the most interesting thing about yourself that most people might not know (and you would want to tell them).
As outgoing as I am now, I had a fear of public speaking.
What book have you read or what movie have you seen most recently, or what kind of music do you most enjoy?
I am not a big reader. “Despicable Me” was the last movie and it was great. I don’t have kids, but I think we own every kids movie ever made. I have enough stress in my life, so I need to laugh.
Who or what inspired you to enter your field?
Actually, I never expected to be doing this. A very good friend, Roseann, asked me if I would ever move to Massachusetts to be an administrative assistant at a new office they were opening up for ACC Long Distance, a telecommunications company. I knew nothing about phones. I accepted and it was the best thing I ever did. Roseann was an amazing mentor to me and helped me grow to where I am now.
Who are your heroes?
My sister Marianne and my nephew Anthony.
What would you tell someone who was considering applying to UMass Medical School (as a student or for a position)
UMass Medical School is wonderful. They care about you and treat you fairly. It is great to be respected and appreciated for your work. Everyone makes you feel welcome.