Spotlight on CASL Staff Member Lori Petrick

January 11, 2023

Enjoy the following Q&A with Lori Petrick, Administrative Specialist, Department of Language, Culture, and the Arts.

Name:  Lori Petrick
Position:  Administrative Specialist
Years at UM-Dearborn: 25

What does a typical workday look like for you? 

LCA is a large and busy office so a typical remote workday for me is answering emails, Zoom meetings, and spreadsheets. When I am on campus, I take advantage of in-person meetings and pop-up meetings with other faculty and staff, which I truly enjoy. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Collaborating with the other staff in our college. I feel that we have a strong network and can always count on each other.

What was your first job?

My first job was at an Italian bakery when I was 14, along with my best friend. We were both so excited to be working and just knew we were going to conquer the world! On the first day the baker put us to work cleaning out a huge commercial sized floor mixer that he used to mix the dough for that days baked goods. It took us hours after school to get the cleaning done and we went home sticky and soaking wet from scrubbing. We were both miserable and needless to say, it was also our last day on that job.  

What do you do to relax?

Anything to do with being in or near the water, whether it be the ocean or one of our Great Lakes. My personal favorite is Lake Michigan, and at any time of the year, even winter. The lakes can be wicked in the winter but dressing for the elements and walking out to a frozen lighthouse offers another beautiful perspective. 

If you could have any one skill or talent that you don’t already have, what would it be?

I wish I had the ability to sing well. I love all kinds of music and love to sing but definitely not for an audience.   

What’s the proudest moment of your life?

That is a tough question because I feel that I have had many, but I would have to say the proudest moment of my life would have been helping my daughter-in-law give birth to my first and only grandson and witnessing the moment that my oldest son become a dad.  

If we were to create a UM-Dearborn playlist, what song would you want to include?

Because my 25 years here at UM-Dearborn has flown by so fast I would have to say the song 100 Years by Five for Fighting.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

The most surprising I suppose would be that I am a social introvert. I love getting to know people, but I prefer one-on-one conversations as opposed to larger groups or parties.

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were a teenager?

If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to follow your heart, and not let fear or uncertainty hold you back from taking chances.