Information Technology Services (ITS)
IT@UofT People — Maddie Osei
Published on: April 13, 2023
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 Security
Title: Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
How long have you worked at U of T?
I have been working at the University since 2021 when I was a student. I was a Teaching Assistant in the Engineering Department, Graduate Library Student Assistant at the Industrial Relations and Human Resources Library and a Coop Data Risk Analyst at the Information Security Department.
I have been working full time in Information Security since August 2022.
What is your secret or not-so-secret talent or hobby outside of work?
My favourite hobby is traveling all over the world to experience and appreciate different cultures.
How and why did you get involved in this hobby?
I have always had the itch to explore. Living in different parts of the world, including Ghana, the United States and France, has made me see there is more to life than meets the eye. I love trying new and different activities I’ve never even dreamed about! And with that comes an amazing taste palette experience.
I think it began about 20 years ago, on my first trip overseas to London, England. That’s when everything that I’ve seen in movies and animations, read in encyclopedias and books and saw on television came to life! To be able to finally see everything I had dreamed about — Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and the double decker buses — is indescribable. I have been traveling ever since as much as I can.
What are some highlights from this hobby?
Travelling has been a wonderful way to broaden my horizons, channel my adventurous spirit and curiosity as well as the perfect opportunity to connect with myself, what makes me happy and the world at large. It’s all about excitement, relaxation and discovery!
Some highlights that come to mind include seeing the Great Wall in Beijing, trying authentic Chinese food and visiting the Forbidden Palace.
As well, finally seeing real gondolas in Venice, Italy and getting to sit in one at the Grand Canal was a dream for me at the time. There are so many replicas all over the world (Las Vegas and Macau) but seeing it in real life made me so happy!
Who/what are your inspirations?
The spirit of wanderlust, a taste of the ineffable and just being grateful for God’s creation.
Anything else you would like to add?
Chase your dreams and really do what makes you happy!