Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Freddy Abayare looks forward to rejoining his PCC family in 2021

Story by Celina Baguiao. Photos by Brittanie Abayare.

During Portland Community College’s remote operations, the planning for the renovation of the college’s largest building, the Health Technology Building (HT) at the Sylvania Campus, hasn’t stopped.

Athletic Facilities Coordinator Freddy Hofschneider Abayare has taken advantage of the college being closed to work on projects that are getting the HT Building ready for its upcoming renovation. Despite this rewarding part of his job, Abayare misses his colleagues and the campus. 

How has your job changed due to the college being closed to in-person instruction?

Freddy Abayare: When the pandemic first hit we did a deep clean of all the athletic facilities and Exercise Science Program spaces and equipment prior to closing our doors. A majority of my work was being done from home. I was able to take an Excel class, which would assist me with athletic facility rental invoicing. I was also able to get certified through the American Red Cross as a First Aid/CPR/AED instructor.

Early on, I was able to help with preparations for repairs and maintenance of HT’s diving pool. 

Due to the HT Building remodel we have to relocate equipment into temporary spaces. One example was the move of equipment from the fitness center in HT 02 and the group exercise/yoga/dance studio in HT 08, to be temporarily put in the gym, which will allow us to continue to have classes as well as a functioning fitness center.

We also had to get equipment to our instructors to help prepare them for remote teaching. Another project was getting CPR/AED/First Aid equipment mailed to exercise science students enrolled in our “Emergency Response for Fitness Professionals” course.

What do you miss most about not working in-person at the college?

Abayare: I miss seeing and interacting with the PCC community. I most especially miss the camaraderie and energy from my physical education/exercise science/athletic facilities family. Teamwork makes the dream work. We are a family in my department. The positive energy we give one another helps all of us stay engaged and motivated in the work that we do. We all work effectively and cohesively together to achieve our goals. With this spirit of camaraderie, trust, and understanding we can collaboratively provide the best service we can to the PCC community.

What hobbies have you had time to do at home during the pandemic?

Abayare: One thing I was able to do during the pandemic was to provide translations for the CHamoru community (indigenous population of Guam and the Marianas islands) here in Oregon (i.e creating COVID-19 Stay Home Save Lives flyer, video for the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization with information for the US Census 2020, information about free COVID-19 testing for Pacific Islanders). I was also able to learn from my mother how to make my own coconut oil (lañan niyok), which is used as a traditional herbal medicine used by the CHamorus. 

What do you look forward to when PCC returns to in-person instruction?

Abayare: I look forward to seeing all of my PCC family. Despite us still being in remote operations we find ways to continue to support one another. 

What have you learned during the pandemic?

Abayare: It is very difficult to effectively communicate and show support for one another when we aren’t physically in front of each other. It may feel like you’re isolated. We all are sharing some struggles and challenges but have found ways to get past those barriers. One way I have seen this is to equip the team with the right tools. (i.e Zoom & Google Meet training), sending department newsletters and holding regular virtual meetings. This can help everyone get acquainted with remote communications, keeping up to date with what’s going on in their department, as well as making sure everyone’s voice is being heard.

The pandemic has taught me about the adaptability, strength, and resiliency of our staff here at PCC. We have found ways to continue to serve students and provide support on their journey to academic success even in a remote environment.

Thank you, Freddy!