Information Technology Services (ITS)
IT@UofT People — Safi Wakeely
Published on: February 20, 2024
The backbone of any successful team is its hard-working people. The University of Toronto’s Information Technology Services (ITS) unit is no exception. It is made up of a diverse range of people with an even greater diversity in their interests and talents.
In this segment, entitled “IT@UofT People,” we will get to know our IT@UofT team across the tri-campus community and find out more about their hidden or not-so-hidden talents and/or pursuits outside of work.
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Department: Enterprise Applications & Solutions Integrations (EASI)
Title: Digital Workplace Specialist
How long have you worked at U of T?
I joined the U of T family about a year and a half ago, in August 2022.
What is your secret or not-so-secret talent or hobby outside of work?
I enjoy building, repairing and restoring various things. I primarily work on computers, cars and have recently started attempting some interior and exterior home restoration and improvements.
Growing up, I initially got into tinkering with computers just out of curiosity and interest in technology and its capabilities. Once I learned that well, I wanted to take care of my car the same way I was taking care of my devices and figured I would learn all the preventative maintenance necessary to extend the life of my vehicles to mitigate mechanical issues. This enabled me to do restoration work such as replacing or protecting rotting brake dust shields or cleaning debris within the timing belt/chain cover. Generally, local mechanics are unable to commit to this extra level of care due to the time constraints they face.
When/how did your interest in this area begin?
My passion began out of curiosity and boredom. I wanted a challenge to look forward to and these projects kept me developmental in my free time.
Do you have any professional training in this field?
Everything I have learned and continue to learn is through routine DIY experience.
Who/what are your inspirations?
Having the ability to build and maintain various things allows me to express my creativity and keeps me mentally stimulated through unique challenges that differ from my day-to-day life.
Anything else you would like to add?
I would highly recommend finding something that interests you and run with it – focus on becoming an expert in whatever that is. It will take time, and you may not become the expert you sought out to be… However, you will be much further ahead than if you hadn’t started the journey :).
