Meet Allen L., a Help Desk Support Technician and a newer member of MELE’s IT team. Read this installment of Five Questions to learn a few tips for keeping your home network safe, why he’d like to dine with an NBA legend, and why a Billy Joel song helps him to slow down.
What is your role at MELE and what is the most rewarding part of your job?
My role at MELE is a Help Desk Support Technician. The most rewarding part of my job is being able to see the results of my work firsthand. When someone comes to me with an issue, I can often help resolve it right away and immediately see the difference it makes. MELE truly feels like a family, so helping my colleagues get back on track is especially fulfilling. Seeing that immediate impact, along with the appreciation from the team, is what motivates me every day.
What inspired you to get into the IT field?
After high school, I wasn’t completely sure which career path I wanted to pursue. With some encouragement from my father and after taking a few introductory classes, I discovered an interest in IT. I quickly realized it’s a field that’s constantly evolving, with unlimited opportunities to learn and grow. Seeing my father work remotely for much of my life and how that flexibility allowed him to be present with our family also played a role in inspiring me to pursue a career in technology.
If a MELE team member came to you for advice on how to protect their home network, what advice would you offer?
Instead of focusing only on the network itself, I would emphasize educating the people using it. Every day, phishing attempts are sent out on a massive scale, and as malicious actors become more sophisticated, especially with the rise of advanced tools and AI, even experienced users can have difficulty distinguishing real messages from scams. I would advise being cautious with unexpected emails, links, and attachments, and to always verify requests for sensitive information. Empowering users with cybersecurity awareness is one of the most effective ways to protect a home network.
If you could have a meal with any historical figure, living or dead, who would you choose and what would be the first topic you’d discuss with them.
If I could have a meal with any historical figure, I would choose LeBron James. Beyond basketball, he represents consistency, discipline, and leadership at an elite level. The first topic I’d want to discuss is how he performs under pressure. In my own volleyball career, I’ve had four second place finishes and often feel like I fall just short, so I’d love to hear how he manages the mental side of high-stakes situations and keeps performing at his best. He’s been in the league longer than I’ve been alive, and on top of that, he seems like someone who would be genuinely fun and engaging to talk to, which would make the experience even more meaningful.
What’s the last book, movie, song, or other experience that really made you think and/or moved you?
The last song that really made me think was Billy Joel’s “Vienna.” As a new graduate just starting my career, I often find myself comparing my progress to others and feeling like I’m never doing enough, which puts a lot of pressure on me to keep pushing non-stop. This song reminded me that it’s okay to slow down and that life will be there when I’m ready. It made me appreciate that I’ve been working hard to improve myself, and that taking a moment to breathe doesn’t mean I’m falling behind. I deserve it.
