FIYou: Rolda Serieux ’09

Name: Rolda M. Serieux ’09

Hometown: St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Job Title/Department: Senior Secretary in the Office of the Vice Provost

Campus: Biscayne Bay Campus

In a nutshell: I provide secretarial support to our office and make sure everything is in order. I also assist in planning events and disseminating event information to the BBC community.

Number of years at FIU: Five-and-a-half years.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Helping people and planning events on our campus.

What do you think faculty/staff and students should know about your department?

Our office oversees the operations of the Biscayne Bay Campus. We are involved in fundraising initiatives, community outreach and developing environmental programs that will help enhance and bring more exposure to BBC.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

I like the bay area because it’s serene and very relaxing. Watching the beautiful bay and listening to the breeze whistle through the trees helps me to unwind and get recharged to do my best at the office and at home.

If there is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU, what would it be?

FIU’s a diverse university. You get to know people from all walks of life, which makes the university very interesting.

Family snapshot:

I was born on the beautiful island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and was raised in Miami from age 7. I have been living in Miami for more than 27 years and I love it. I am the eldest of six children: three brothers and two sisters. My mother raised us in a single-family home. As the firstborn, I learned quickly what it meant to be responsible for a family. I didn’t always enjoy the chores and the babysitting, but the experience shaped my life and prepared me for where I am today. My childhood also helped me to remain grounded and remember what’s most important in life – the love of family. I’ve been married to a loving and charming husband for 15 years, and we have three amazing children who adore me, and I them. I feel blessed to have a wonderful family and a mother who showed her children what it means to persevere and to go after our dreams. Her tenacity is inspiring, and I intend to pass on that same passion to my children so they can also pursue their dreams.

Word that best describes you: I am loveable and fun to be around. I can get along with almost anyone.

First paying job: Burger King was my first paying job at 15. After six months of hamburger grilling, sandwich making and the “Welcome to Burger King, have it your way” greeting, I was ready to move on to bigger things.

Favorite TV show: I have so many, but currently I would say One Tree Hill.

What is playing on your iPod?

I don’t own one, but if I did it would be playing “There’s Hope” by India.Arie.

Your proudest accomplishment:

My children, and finally graduating this year with my bachelor’s degree in technical management.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

I love my quiet time where I can relax and meditate. I like journaling and spending time with my family. I also enjoy leading and being part of the women’s ministry at my church.