Employment In Security

By Ashley Forrest, Winter 2010

They watch over us every day. They make sure we’re safe. And they stand in the way of potential backpack thieves. Who are they? Meet Noland and Jannet: The security guards who work in the main lobby at One Beach Street. These two wonderful people monitor the building each day to ensure the security of the Alliant community.

To find out more about the people looking out for us while we work on our educations, a closer look at Noland and Jannet may prove valuable.

Noland is a bright, cheerful man who sports wire rimmed glasses, a great smile, and a sunny disposition. He’s always ready to answer your questions and to engage in conversation. A native of the Philippines, Noland has lived in the United States since 1978, and has been working in the 1 Beach Street building for three fulfilling years.

“I love working here because everyone is friendly and accommodating,” he said.

When he is not attending to his professional duties of protecting the safety of the people in the building, Noland said he relaxes by either watching movies (Transformers I & II and the Star Wars saga are his favorites) or by traveling to white sand beaches with clear water, which provide a reminder of his country of origin.

Noland currently lives with and cares for his 90 year-old mother. Though perhaps not the normal living arrangement in this country, Nolan states that in his culture, “You don’t turn your backs on your elders.” Over the past few years, Noland’s interest in psychology has skyrocketed and he hopes begin pursuing a career in behaviorism in the next three years.

Jannet is a quiet, pretty woman with long, curly hair and a contagious smile who has been working in the building for four years. She works the day shift at the front desk of the building, usually arriving before most classes begin and leaving around 3:30 p.m. Having moved to San Francisco from Peru in 2004, Jannet loves the metropolis because it has everything you’d need, she said. She lives with her 2-year-old son and cherishes how everything in the city is close by and seemingly at her fingertips, she said.

Despite the fact that Jannet’s favorite pastime is watching scary movies such as The Exorcist, she has a deep appreciation for Alliant’s students. “It’s the best job,” she said. “The school and the students are so nice to me. I learn more and more every day from talking to all the students.”

Next time you’re on campus, don’t shy away from saying “Hi” to Jannet and Noland; they work very hard and deserve to be recognized. And, when you come back from the bathroom and your backpack is still in the library, remember who helped keep it safe.