Get to know Fonteyn Li, who joined the Department of French, Hispanic and Italian Studies (FHIS) in March 2023 as the Administrative Assistant.
Fonteyn Li visiting Stonehenge in England.
“FHIS feels like a vibrant community to me, as it brings together individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.”
What motivated you to apply for this position?
Having spent exactly one year working in a different position at UBC, I recently joined the Department of French, Hispanic and Italian Studies (FHIS) in March 2023.
My background is in Tourism Management, and prior to joining UBC, I worked as a Marketing Executive in Hong Kong. I have always had a deep interest in the cultures and histories of European countries, which motivated me to apply for the position of Administrative Assistant in one of the language studies departments. This role offers me the opportunity to not only enhance my understanding of French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese cultures, but also to learn a new language through interactions with professors and faculty members.
Additionally, my several years of experience working in office environments have equipped me with the necessary skills to perform administrative tasks efficiently and effectively. I am drawn to this position as it allows me to experience a diverse range of job responsibilities.
What is your favourite part about working at FHIS?
Despite not having an extensive background in the field of language studies, I believe that the opportunity to work at FHIS reflects UBC’s commitment to fostering a culturally diverse workplace. This inclusive spirit is not only crucial but also enriching, as it allows for the exchange of cultures and ideas among faculty and staff members. FHIS feels like a vibrant community to me, as it brings together individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
It is a privilege to work alongside such talented and dedicated educators in this environment. Furthermore, the faculty and staff at FHIS have been incredibly kind and welcoming, creating a delightful and supportive work environment.
What is your role as Administrative Assistant?
As an Administrative Assistant at FHIS, my role encompasses a wide range of duties, including administration, facilities management, event coordination, finance support, and other ad-hoc tasks. I am responsible for providing comprehensive administrative support to the department, which includes managing office reception, ensuring cleanliness and organization of the office environment, supporting purchasing activities, reviewing and reconciling expenses, generating reports on departmental expenses, and maintaining tracking sheets for internal funding allocations. I am also involved in scheduling and coordinating meetings, managing room calendars, arranging technical equipment, and preparing relevant documents. Additionally, I handle office supply orders and maintain inventory management. Lastly, I am responsible for record management and addressing student inquiries.
What are some fun facts about yourself?
In my free time, I have a strong passion for traveling. Although I haven’t explored many places here yet, I am determined to venture further and indulge in more sightseeing experiences. I also enjoy playing sports and watching sports games, listening to classical music, and watching shows on platforms like Netflix and Disney—with Marvel and The Big Bang Theory being particular favourites of mine!
