Niko Afuola has been working as a Campus Safety Supervisor for three years going on four, overseeing the operations that keep our campus and community safe, Afuola said.
“I wasn’t expecting to take on this role. I just kind of applied for the position, and it’s been a blessing ever since I’ve joined the team,” Afuola said.
His typical day starts with greetings and positive energy, Afuola said.
“I do my normal rounds as I do, checking bathrooms throughout the campus, making sure everybody’s behaving, making sure everybody’s going to class on time,” Afuola said.
Mutual respect is key to balancing and enforcing rules while building trust with students, Afuola said. He believes that being honest and showing respect gains respect in return.
“Even when handling conflict between students, it all boils down to respect, and how you talk to the student when they are upset; essentially channeling their energy,” Afuola said.
Moments that stand out to him the most on campus are when students interact with CBI (Community Based Instruction) students.
“It makes me feel really good. It makes me feel proud, for sure.” Afuola added.
Off the clock, Afuola is a proud single father, who loves to spend time and do things with his kids, he said.
“I’m a beach bum,” Afuola said. “I love going to the beach, I like being by the water. Water is my safe place. And I’m a music connoisseur.I love music. I love being around music, anything that has to do with music.”
To maintain a safe and respectful environment at campus, students should treat staff with the same respect they would their parents, and also respect those who work hard to keep the campus clean, Afuola said.
“Students are also children at the end of the day, and they are not perfect,” Afuola said.“Try to treat this place like your home, and respect it like your home. And the respect factor goes both ways. I think that a lot of kids could benefit from that, for sure.” he added.