Get to Know Veronica Ortiz, UA Study Abroad Program Assistant
A helper by nature, Veronica Ortiz is thrilled to bring her organizational skills and warm personality to the front desk of UA Study Abroad. As a Program Assistant, she greets guests, directs visitors, and helps organize meetings for the department. Veronica was an elementary school teacher in the Tucson area for nearly ten years before joining the UA Study Abroad team in December of 2016. She credits teaching the fifth grade for her signature listening skills, which benefit the office on a daily basis. Originally from California, Veronica moved to Tucson with her family in her early twenties and decided to stay! She enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her teenage son and daughter, and her husband who plays softball and coaches baseball. Veronica finished her bachelor’s degree and earned her teaching credentials at the UA after getting married and having her children.
10 Questions:
Where is your favorite place to travel? I love traveling when it’s with my family – all four of us. We always have a good time. It’s more the journey than the destination.
Where would you love to visit? I’d love to visit more places in Mexico to get more familiar with my parents’ roots.
Who’s your favorite celebrity? If I had to choose one, it would be Miss Piggy. She’s unapologetic, confident, feminine, and knows what she wants. I especially admire her fashion sense!
What is a fun fact someone might not know about you? I knew on our first date 22 years ago that I was going to marry my husband. I knew he was the one. We started dating in May and he asked me to marry him in July.
What is your favorite type of food? Mexican food. I love eating at El Sur. It reminds me of eating at one of my Tia’s houses.
What is your favorite thing to do in Tucson? I find myself becoming more of a homebody as I grow older. I enjoy the calm and peacefulness of being home with my family, watching movies, grilling, swimming, or relaxing in the hot tub with a glass of red wine.
Where is your favorite place on campus? Centennial Hall. We’ve had season tickets in the past, and those were our family nights. It turned into date nights as our kids got older.
What is your favorite thing about working with OGI? The people. I also like interacting with diverse populations. People are so appreciative for your helpfulness, and I find that very rewarding.
How can you help OGI colleagues? By remaining approachable and making sure they know they can always come to me for assistance.
What is your typical day like? I drink coffee! I greet and interact with guests. I direct them to the appropriate people. I also organize meetings – manage the office in a sense.