Johnny Li is Pace’s “tech guy.” He also supervises students entering and exiting the building. “I am the ID person and whatever else you need help with,” says Johnny.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
How long have you been working here?
It’s on and off. Took a little bit of a break. I was here, I think, 2020 and then left, came back and then I’m back.
How important do you think your role is? Do you feel like you’re acknowledged throughout the day?
How important it is – with how remote learning is now and classes using more of the computers – it is more important to resolve issues, to try to help the students with their tech. How am I recognized? Yes and no. They know me – some know me through name or as the person that just says “phones” in the morning and that’s it. Some also completely disregard me. That’s about it.
Could you elaborate on your answer?
Some people think of me just as Chong’s brother. They don’t know exactly what I do except that I just tell them to lock their phones in the morning and that’s it. Or that I’m just there to make sure they scan their IDs and that’s it, but I’m actually the tech person.
Was this always your job choice? Was this your first option?
Yes and no. I’ve always had thoughts I’m held back because I wanted to keep certain things as interests rather than something I do everyday.
Lastly, what is your favorite or least favorite about working with students?
My most favorite thing would be calling you guys out by your name when you guys don’t know who I am or my name. Because I remember the first month or so – the first week, two weeks – I probably knew certain students’ names and I was already calling them by their names and they’re like, “Who in the world is this guy?”
