FIYou: Esperanza de la Torre

Esperanza de la Torre recently retired from FIU after 33 years of custodial work at the university.

Name: 

Esperanza de la Torre

Hometown:

Santiago, Cuba

Job Title/Department:

Senior Custodial Supervisor / FIU Facilities Management

Campus:

Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell:

I make sure everything is clean in the Graham Center’s first floor. I like to welcome people who come through GC, say hello to them, motivate students.

Number of years at FIU:

Thirty-three years. I’m retiring, and my last day is July 12. [This interview was conducted shortly before Esperanza’s retirement from FIU.]

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I like everything that I do, as long as what I do is for the good of seeing FIU grow. I am a person that is motivated when I see the students motivated and happy, dedicated to their studies, how excited they get about university events. I like how I have always been able to be by their side to talk to them and help them.

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

I would like for them to know that when you give or put forth all your love and effort into what you do, that is the best way to be happy.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

The Pit and piano area because that’s where the students hang out and where I get to talk with them the most. They’re great places where the students can go to relax, sit to drink coffee, study.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU?

That FIU is the best university in Florida!

How is FIU “Worlds Ahead?”

The students are very dedicated. FIU is excellent because its students are dedicated, therefore, FIU will always be at its best.

Family snapshot:

I came to this country by myself, divorced and with three children. When we first came, things were tough and we would sleep here at FIU on the second floor where the radio station is. My daughter, Alida, majored in Business Administration at FIU. She was also in ballet here at FIU and then went to Boston Ballet. Now she works at a bank in Brickell. My son Fernando works at FIU and Freddy studies at a fine arts school, majoring in graphic design, technical design, computer design.

Word that best describes you:

I would describe myself like a “Mister Clean!” I’m very picky and I like to see things clean and everything done correctly, so that everyone that comes to FIU leaves with a good impression. Best image of FIU. That’s me.

First paying job:

FIU. This is where I have always worked, and I was lucky and thank God that I qualified to get into FIU. I’m very proud of that.

Favorite TV show:

The morning news on Telemundo.

Favorite musicians or groups?

Celia Cruz, Willie Chirino and Pitbull.

Your proudest accomplishment:

They’re so many people in the world that need someone that would talk to them, encourage them, motivate them – to tell them when something is not right and to do it this way, to give them good advice. There have been a lot of students that have thanked me for doing this… they’ve had problems in their studies and they’ve thanked me and hugged me, and I tell them I do it from my heart because they are like a son or daughter to me. I spend time with them and tell them in life all things are possible. That is what I am most proud of.

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

I like to spend time with my family, my grandchildren. I also like interior design, looking at jewelry, working with my hands.