RECognition: Diego Arellano, Events
Recreation's monthly series to highlight and celebrate our staff
By Shawn Cyr
Assistant Marketing Director
Diego Arellano thought he was getting a job in security.
“My golf coach from high school, Coach Ted, who also works as a security supervisor at all the athletics games at UC San Diego, asked me one day if I wanted a job at school, and I was like, ‘Sure.’” Diego says. “So I’m under the impression that I’ll be working security like him, and then I realize, ‘Wait, this is even cooler!’
“One thing led to another, I gave this job my all, and now I’m a lead, and I feel very fortunate where I am at, and also thankful to Ted for hooking me up,” says Diego, who now works in Recreation as an Event Lead in Events/Operations and Field Lining.
Kevin McGlone, REC’s Event Operations Coordinator, says Diego — still only a second-year computer science major in Marshall College — makes a “massive” impact.
“He rose the ranks to a lead position earlier than any student I have ever supervised,” McGlone says. “He is respectful, hard-working, and absolutely the future of our student leaders here at Recreation!”
With Events, Diego leads a team that sets up, breaks down, and tends to all of the logistical needs for UC San Diego’s Division I athletics games, as well as special happenings such as the Sun God Festival and commencement ceremonies. He also helps in Field Lining, working with a robot to paint the lines on the sports fields for Recreation and Athletics competitions.
“My favorite part about working in REC is being able to take part in events that bring students together and provide an outlet to show their school spirit,” Diego says.
One of those events sticks in his memory, he says. At a sold-out UC San Diego men’s volleyball game against Long Beach State last season — “I mean, every single seat was filled, and there were more people filling up the concourse,” he says — Diego was working on the court as a “roller,” shagging balls and passing them around to the server and suddenly found himself in the eye of the rapt crowd’s attention.
“Long Beach had this really good player who everyone came to see, and I got to be involved in the game while he was serving,” Diego says. “The atmosphere of the arena was wild.”
Back to golf for a second. Diego was a two-year captain at Montgomery High School in Chula Vista under Coach Ted Juramayan. His best round at the time over 9 holes was a 38 (2 over par). “It was a pretty cool moment because I clutched up for my team during an away game and got the win,” he says.
“I love playing golf because it's a good way to release stress and just relax,” says Diego, who boasts a top 18-hole score of 81. “It’s also a fun activity to invite friends to because you can just chat, drive the golf carts, play golf, and eat snacks.”
His favorite snack? M&Ms. His favorite course? Mount Woodson Golf Club in Ramona.
Back at UC San Diego, Diego says his job with Recreation has already provided him with good friends and unique opportunities, such as joining the Recreation Leadership Council (RLC) last quarter as a delegate for Events and Field Lining.
“I've even had the opportunity to work with the professional soccer team San Diego FC in their Operations crew,” Diego says. “Just over a year ago, I was just a first-year at a school where I didn't know many people and about to start my first job. Fast forward to now, I have many good friends at school and the chance to explore a new career path that I really enjoy. And I get to do it with my favorite soccer team.”
Thanks again, Coach Ted.
