No one has a better food recommendation than Michelle Sardina. Joy lights up her face as she speaks about all the different types of cuisines she enjoys. If you have a craving, she has a place in mind for you to try.
Starting at Cal Poly in 2014, Sardina has worked in multiple departments across campus including University Housing and now in Procurement Services. She started as an administrative support assistant and now works under the job title, Buyer II. It’s obvious through her smile that she absolutely enjoys her work.
A native of the Philippines, Sardina and her family made the trip west over a decade ago. Leaving her Civil Engineering career, she has found her home here at Cal Poly.
Michelle recently pulled up a seat and took some time to talk about life and that things that bring her joy.
Q: What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
A: Everything is temporary, even hardships. Coming here was hard, it was a major life change. Not a lot of opportunities during the recession when I moved. At times something feels like the end of the world, but it's all temporary.
Q: What do you do when you are not at work?
A: I have three kids, so they keep me busy. My daughter moved out, and my son attends UCSB. I have one left at home in high school. My husband and I try do things with the kids. Family is important to me, so I like to make time for them.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I crochet, I make baskets and right now I’m working on a table runner. I like to create things with a function, I don’t want something that just takes up space. I also like zentangle art, coloring is very relaxing.
Q: What is your favorite animal? Why?
A: Dogs. I’ve never had a pet before. However, now I have a dog named Mochi. Mochi is a Maltese shih Zu mix. She was my kids’ but, I take care of her.
Q: What did you want to be when you grow up?
A: I thought I wanted to be a lawyer. I was enrolled in philosophy and law until my mom changed my courses. She worked at the university and because I was good at math, she enrolled me into engineering courses. So, I am a licensed civil engineer thanks to her. Turns out that I loved it and I even am thinking about converting my degree through the grad school at Cal Poly.
Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: Pasta, I love eating pasta especially at this restaurant in Los Angeles. It’s called Uovo, and I like driving down there for my birthday.