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 Paolo Cardenas, dental dispensing technician in
restorative sciences, works behind the scenes in the third floor dispensary at Baylor College of Dentistry, effectively meeting the needs of faculty and students in
the clinic. Despite fighting bouts with asthma, he also works another job and is a devoted father – and he does it all with alacrity.
On Feb. 18, Cardenas was named BCD Staff Employee of the Year by the Staff Forum. When presenting the award, Steve Gonzalez (D1) said, "Paolo never appears down. He works hard and is very
dependable and loyal." Gonzalez was one of four people who nominated Cardenas for the award.
Cardenas and his wife, Natalie, have been married for more than two years. They have one son, Gerard.
Hometown: Paranaque City, Philippines
Place I'd like to live/retire: My wife and I plan to retire to Boracay, an island in the Philippines that has a very beautiful beach with white sands. The people there are very hospitable and warm.
Role models: I look up to people who have a sense of dignity, self-respect and respect for others regardless of race, gender, economic status in life and educational attainment.
Personal motto: Try to give 110 percent effort in everything you do. It will pay off one day.
Best thing about my job or BCD: I enjoy being part of a team that molds aspiring individuals to become dentists in the near future.
Career highlight: Being named Staff Employee of the Year is an honor.
If I wasn't at BCD, I'd …: be attending nursing school full time. Later I would work on my master's degree in nursing anesthesiology.
Life philosophy: Live each day as if it were your last.
Pet peeves: I like things to be organized. I don't want a messy environment at work or at home.
Favorite vacation destination: When I get the chance, I'd like to travel the world and do something adventurous.
Dream car: Range Rover
Favorite hobby: I like to cook. I believe food brings people together. I like to be around family and friends and share a good meal with them.
Word that best describes me: Optimistic. I try to look at challenges and trials in life with a positive perspective. I consider every problem we face to be a source of growth and strength for every individual.
Something you might not know about me: A lot of people mistake me for a Hispanic man. Actually, I am Asian. I am proud to be Filipino.
Top three passions: I enjoy spending quality time with my family, traveling and going to the beach.
What my colleagues say about me: Hardworking is the word Cardenas' co-workers use to describe him. "No task is insignificant to Paolo. He does what needs
to be done no matter what, and he's willing to stay late or come in early to get it done," said Derek Davis, dental dispensing technician in restorative sciences. "Paolo also is genuinely interested in people. He is always pleasant and treats everyone with respect."
"Paolo works hard and makes time to help people in any way possible," said Michael La Jesse, dental dispensing technician in restorative sciences. "He is always courteous
and friendly to everyone, and he never hesitates to help students, faculty and co-workers. Even when he's very busy, Paolo goes out of his way to be helpful."
Leticia Osay, dental dispensing technician in restorative sciences, said, "Paolo does whatever he can do to help out professionally and personally whether it's assisting the
students or listening to problems. He has an excellent, well-earned reputation for his kindness and diligence. Everyone who knows him appreciates his personality and professionalism."
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