REC Employee Spotlight - Antonio Munoz Carazo

Antonio Munoz Carazo, a sophomore from San Jose, Costa Rica, has quickly made a name for himself at UB Recreation. Majoring in Mechanical Engineering, Antonio's aspirations extend far beyond the classroom as he dreams of providing clean, affordable energy to Central America. But it’s his passion and dedication within the UB community that truly stand out.

Antonio's journey with UB Recreation started with the Swim Club. Drawn by the opportunity to exercise, compete, relax, and network, he found a welcoming community that would soon become a pivotal part of his college experience. Though the Swim Club is overseen by the Student Association, many of its activities take place in the recreation facilities, bringing Antonio into close contact with UB Recreation.

Currently, Antonio works as a lifeguard at the Alumni Arena pool. His primary responsibility is ensuring the safety of all swimmers and divers, a role he takes very seriously. But his job isn’t just about vigilance—Antonio often gets to set the musical ambiance at the pool, ensuring that everyone swims to the perfect beat.

“Working early shifts has given me the discipline I need to maintain a good study schedule,” Antonio shares. “As an international student, it’s immensely helpful to have a community of people who care about you.”

One of Antonio's favorite aspects of working at UB Recreation is the sense of community it fosters. "Sharing long shifts with my peers and becoming real friends with them afterward is incredibly rewarding," he says. This community spirit is what Antonio values most, and it’s something he encourages other students to seek out.

Asked about a funny or unexpected moment on the job, Antonio recalls the times he had to jump off the diving platforms. “These moments are full of emotions—from the fear you feel before jumping, the adrenaline rush during, and the sense of accomplishment afterward.”

One of the most unusual comments Antonio has received is compliments on his music taste. “I’ve been surprised by people being impressed by my music taste,” he laughs. “They wouldn’t have expected me to be such a good on-deck DJ.”

Balancing academics and his role in Recreation, Antonio finds that his job enhances his academic performance. “The discipline and commitment required in the Recreation department translate well to school,” he explains.

Outside of his lifeguard duties, Antonio enjoys participating in various Recreation programs. Apart from frequenting the Swim Club, he loves using the Fitness Center and engaging in the Take the Plunge Challenge, where participants are encouraged to jump off the diving boards.

Beyond swimming and lifeguarding, Antonio has a hidden talent—dancing. During quarantine, he and his sisters learned to dance salsa, merengue, and bachata. “Dancing is crucial for weddings and birthday parties in Latin America,” he says, emphasizing its cultural importance.

Antonio believes his involvement with Recreation will significantly impact his future career goals. The networking opportunities he finds at the pool and gym are invaluable, helping him connect with people from various vocational fields.

To students considering getting involved with UB Recreation, Antonio offers enthusiastic advice: “Join! The Recreation programs will help you make new friends, get some exercise, and relax. Personally, I highly encourage joining the Swim Club.”

Antonio Munoz Carazo is a shining example of the exceptional student staff at UB Recreation, embodying dedication, community spirit, and a passion for both personal and professional growth.