Information Technology Services (ITS)
IT@UofT People — Jose Miguel Suing
Published on: June 18, 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: Information & Instructional Technology Services, UTSC
Title: Service Desk Analyst
How long have you worked at U of T?
I started working with U of T Scarborough campus during the pandemic back in 2022. I was the very first member of the Service Desk, where we specialize in providing quick resolutions to IT-related queries from staff, faculty and students. My team now consists of three people and we’re hoping to grow.
What is your secret or not-so-secret talent or hobby outside of work?
As a person who works in the IT industry, I have been attached to computers ever since my dad bought me a personal computer back in the 90s. When I’m not on my computer, I keep active in sports such as soccer and badminton, but my new favourite hobby that I picked up here in Canada is road biking. I grew up in the Philippines and never I knew that I would get back into it and do long bike rides instead of just doing it for exercise.
How and why did you get involved in this hobby?
Biking was just a form of exercise for me, but, at the height of the pandemic, no contact sports or team-based sports were allowed, and that’s where it began. I started doing 5 – 10 km rides in the Durham trails with my hybrid bicycle purely for cardio exercise and to explore my neighbourhood. When my brother-in-law brought me to one of his long rides going north of Durham, I quickly fell in love with it. I bought a road bike and eventually started doing 50 – 100 km every weekend.
Do you have any outstanding memories or accomplishments from this hobby?
My greatest accomplishment was when I completed my first 100 km bike ride. We started in Ajax and went to Port Perry; it took us four hours to complete but it was well worth it! It was my first time there and of course we had to try their famous pastries while were there 🙂
Do you have any professional training in this field?
No, but I started joining group rides with other bike enthusiasts and quickly learned a lot of useful tips on how to maintain speed and endurance during long rides.
Who/what are your inspirations?
One of my inspirations is the Tour de France. Watching people compete in this prestigious competition makes you want to train more to explore the vast countryside and mountains of Europe someday.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
From the great words of Charles Bukowski, “Find what you love and let it kill you.” My passion that I have with cycling took me to places that I’ve never been and provided me with a lot of unforgettable memories with my peers. I never thought I would do a 100 km bike ride someday, but if you set your heart on something nothing is impossible!