Angel Ricardo Rosario
Security Officer

Born in the Bronx, Angel Rosario grew up mostly in Brooklyn—where he now lives—and Puerto Rico, where his mother hails from. Angel earned a G.E.D. from the Vocational Training Center and studied civil claims investigations and security at the Superior Career Institute in Manhattan. He was third-shift supervisor for maintenance (heavy-duty cleaning detail) at the World Trade Center before coming to Juilliard in December 2001.

Angel Rosario at his previous job at the World Trade Center.

How long have you worked at Juilliard, and what do you remember about your first day?
I have been here a year and four months now. On the first day I was here, I asked Keith at the front desk where I could find Eleanor Schneider. He said "You mean Estelle," and he started laughing hysterically and said, "I can't wait to tell her this one!" I begged and pleaded with Keith not to spill the beans, because it would definitely not be cool to share that kind of humor with the woman who would soon be interviewing me for a job.

What job at Juilliard would you like to try out for a day and why?
Party coordinator, to give these students the parties they deserve for their hard work and dedication.

What is the strangest job you've ever had and what made it strange?
I was the 6 a.m.-5 p.m. truck dock foreman for security in the World Trade Center. You would not believe the things that transpired in there. Once, when the cleaning staff was on strike, the screws on the enormous dumpster in the loading dock were loosened. When the truck came to pick up the dumpster and haul it away, the bin came apart and tons of trash went everywhere; you can't imagine how disgusting it was. Another time, I was driving a go-cart we used down the steep hill to the dock. I was going fast because there was nothing in front of me and, as I started to brake, the cart slipped on some oil that had been spilled there. The cart made a couple of full spins before stopping just inches from the wall of the loading dock. My heart was beating like crazy. The construction workers who saw the whole thing happen said, "Man, that was cool."

If out of the blue your boss said to take the day off, what would you do with your free time?
I'd definitely go horseback riding. That is the ultimate rush for me.

Do you have a background in music, dance, or drama? Are you actively pursuing it?
When I was a teenager I had received a drama callback from LaGuardia High School. But it was something I never pursued. Being the rebellious youth that I was, I took other things more seriously, like girls and hanging out with my friends.

What kind of performances do you prefer to attend and why?
I can honestly say I like them all. There are a lot of talented people here, and they each deserve their own spotlight every now and then.

What other pursuits are you passionate about?
I love fishing and horseback riding, both of which I haven't done in a while, and slowly I'm rekindling the flames of those passions again.

What was the best vacation you've had and what made that trip so special?
I couldn't answer that question, as I haven't been on a real vacation for about six or seven years. I would like to go to a dude ranch—because I love horses—or camping some place upstate for a week or two.

What is your proudest accomplishment in life?
My father was a truck driver/biker and he always wanted my brother and me to be better off than he was. Wear a suit to work, leather briefcase, office, the works. I finally achieved that at the World Trade Center. I had the office, the suit, and a Kenneth Cole leather briefcase. When I became the supervisor of the maintenance workers at W.T.C. I knew, at that point, my father was smiling down from heaven saying, "Now that's my boy! Show them what you've got!"

What might people be surprised to know about you?
That I worked at the World Trade Center for about a decade. Also that a guy from Brooklyn, East New York, enjoys horseback riding.

Is there anything you'd like to add?
I would just like to take the time to thank all those here who have helped me feel welcome and accepted me for who I am, and have allowed me to think of Juilliard as a second home. Much love, thanks, and appreciation to faculty, staff, and students alike.

Next Month: David Shohl, library/circulation assistant.