MEET YOUR ST ROCH SECURITY – Aurelia and Sharmeen
You will see Aurelia and Sharmeen every morning at the St Roch campus. They have been working as our security team since September 2022 and are responsible for the security of the building, staff, faculty and students. You will find them opening in the morning and closing at the wee hours of the night!
Aurelia originally hails from the Philippines with French nationality and has been living in Paris since 1999. Sharmeen is originally from Mauritius (an Indian Ocean island nation known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs) and has been living in Paris for 35 years!
Tell us something about yourself!
Aurelia – ‘I have always worked in security. I started in 2001 in airport security controlling inside airplanes, jet way, tarmac, baggage room, check-in and the x-ray room. I have worked with many different Airlines like United Airlines, British Air, Shangrila Air, Kuwait Airlines, Saudia Air, Quatar Airlines and more. After six years I worked in many different embassies – American Embassy, Singapore Embassy and the United Arab Emirates Embassy. Now I am working here, at Parsons Paris, and at The Eiffel Tour! It’s very busy! And if I get a day off? I am relaxing at home!’
Sharmeen – ‘I would like to share my country with readers! My country is Mauritius – it is an island completely surrounded by water. It is always summer there! It is multi racial and with people of every different colour. There are different flavours of food and lots of activities like aqua sports (diving), climbing mountains, waterfalls, fields etc…’
What is your favorite thing about this city?
Sharmeen – ‘My favorite thing is walking along the riverside (La Seine) and sitting in a little bistro along the riverside killing time, sipping a drink and watching passers-by.’
Aurelia – ‘It is a big, busy city! I love to see the beautiful spots of Paris like the Eiffel Tower and the Champs ElysĂ©es.’
What is your favorite arrondissement and why?
Sharmeen – ‘My favourite place in Paris 18eme because I lived in Paris 18th for 35 years. On foot, everything was nearby – Sacre Coeur, Moulin Rouge, Gare du Nord to catch train for long distance like TGV. You can even walk to the Eiffel Tower and the Champs ElysĂ©es. I did this several times during the 14 July fireworks! Oh and don’t forget the smalls souvenir boutique along the boulevard barbes rochechouart.’
Aurelia – ‘Paris 7 and Paris 8 because I always want to see Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triumph. Then to the Champs ElysĂ©es and Val de Europe for window shopping!’
Who is your favorite musician/band? Favorite album? (It can be French, but does not have to be!)
Sharmeen – ‘Do you know the album ‘Wolfgang Amadeous’ by Phoenix/Thomas Mars? I work with him sometimes! I also like Laurent Voulzy – Rockollection‘
Aurelia – ‘Air Supply, maybe? I also love Celine Dion!’
What is your favorite activity to do in Paris?
Sharmeen – ‘Visit the exhibition salons at the porte de Versailles and Villepinte, Bercy for the concerts!’
Aurelia – ‘I love to go with friends to eat at Chinese, Japanese or Korean restaurants. Sometimes we go to Boulogne to play cards or Bingo!’
Do you have a secret tip/advice/spot to share with new visitors to the city?
Sharmeen – ‘Go to the marche au puce at la porte de montreuil or porte de clignancourt. But please take good care of your personal belongings (very important as a security officer!) I recommend you not to take valuable things while travelling these places and bring less cash.’
Aurelia – ‘Go to the 16th, get off at Porte Dauphine and you can play tennis or volleyball in the nearby park’
Any last words?
Aurelia – ‘I’m glad and very happy to work here at Parson Paris. All the staff and students are very sweet kind and friendly. How I wish I could work more years! But, unfortunately, October 2024 will be my retirement and I will be going back to my country, the Philippines! I’m very grateful and thankful working with you all.’