More Than a Student Job: Bianca Gonzalez Leaves a Lasting Mark on the Basement

Walk into the Basement at UTA Libraries, and you might find students playing a game, working on a project, meeting friends or taking a break between classes. 

Look a little closer, and you'll discover that students are not only benefiting from the space but are also integral to its success. 

Student employees check equipment, help patrons, maintain technology and create a welcoming environment that makes the Basement more than a place to spend an hour between classes. 

Bianca Gonzalez is one of those students. 

After nearly three years with UTA Libraries, Gonzalez recently moved into a full-time position with UTA’s Facilities and Maintenance department at the J.D. Wetzel Building. She will graduate in December with a degree in information systems, taking with her experience, confidence, friendships and a clearer understanding of what she can bring to her next chapter. 

“I love the Basement,” Gonzalez said. “I’ll still be here for many years to come, and I hope to see it grow.” 

Finding a Place to Belong 

Gonzalez first found the Basement as a freshman. A friend introduced her to space, where she soon learned about opening the technology team. Gonzalez applied, interviewed and was hired as a student technician. 

Nearly three years later, she had become a Senior Student Assistant and a lead for one of the Basement’s teams. Her technology team keeps gaming equipment ready for students. Controllers and consoles are cleaned, inspected and repaired while other equipment is checked and maintained. 

The work is part maintenance, part troubleshooting and part puzzle. 

“I like to try every little solution and see it work again,” Gonzalez said. “It’s very rewarding.” 

A Space to Connect 

It is easy to describe the Basement as a place where students go to play games. 

Gonzalez sees something bigger. 

She describes it as a “third space,” where students can step away from classes, connect face-to-face and spend time with people outside their usual circles. 

“This is a third space for people who don’t have as many in-person connections at home or from their hometowns or dorms to come and meet with other people, build community, have friends and engage face-to-face,” Gonzalez said. 

Gonzalez remembers needing that space herself. Starting college was overwhelming at times. Coming to the Basement gave her somewhere familiar to go, people to talk with and something to look forward to beyond the classroom. 

“It’s a safe space for many people,” she said. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

Gonzalez came to UTA hoping to build a future for herself. Information Systems became the right fit because it brought together her interests in technology, communication, marketing and management. 

Her work in the Libraries added another layer to that education. 

During her time here, Gonzalez learned electrical soldering with the help of John Pointer, a full-time staff member in the C. R.E.A.T. Studio who became a mentor. She also gained experience in inventory management, social media, outreach and communications. 

“I’ve learned a lot here. There are so many skills you can pick up that you wouldn’t necessarily expect,” Gonzalez said. “I know my strengths and I know my weaknesses. Now, when I look toward the future and think about what I can offer a new employer, I feel more confident in myself and what I bring to the table.” 

The Next Chapter 
 

Gonzalez’s new position will put her on the other side of many everyday challenges faced across campus. 

Working with Facilities and Maintenance, she will receive calls about issues in university buildings and help connect students, faculty and staff with the appropriate maintenance teams. 

The new role builds on skills she developed in the Libraries: listening, communicating, solving problems and helping people. 

With graduation approaching in December, Gonzalez wanted to take an early step toward the stability and independence that come with beginning a career. The full-time position allows her to continue growing at UTA while building toward the future she has envisioned. 

Leaving the Libraries does not mean leaving the Basement behind. She plans to return, not as a student employee, but as someone who helped make the space what it is. 

More Than a Job 

Student employees are an important part of the daily life of UTA Libraries. 

They help keep spaces running, assist patrons, support technology and programs, answer questions and bring their own ideas and experiences to the Libraries. They also understand what it feels like to be a student because they are students themselves. 

That perspective matters. 

Gonzalez arrived at the Libraries looking for a place to connect. She leaves with a degree nearly finished, a full-time career beginning, a network of friends and mentors, and a stronger sense of what she can do. 

Her story is a reminder of what a student job can become: a place to learn, contribute, build relationships and gain confidence before taking the next step. 

Student workers arrive as students, learn, contribute and grow, then move on to their next opportunity. 

Gonzalez’s next chapter is already beginning. Wherever it takes her, a little piece of the Basement will be going with her.