“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” — John Dewey
Across the universities of the DMV region, every building tells a story — of learning, innovation, and community. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of facility management technicians keeps that story alive. Whether specializing in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or general maintenance, these professionals ensure that campuses run safely and efficiently. Their work sustains the environments where education thrives.
For me, Dewey’s words are not just an idea — they are a lived truth. I grew up in Quang Nam, Vietnam, where education was something I longed for but could not have. As an Amerasian child, I wasn’t permitted to continue beyond fifth grade. At that young age, my dream of learning seemed out of reach. Still, hope remained. I promised myself that if I were ever given another chance at education, I would make the most of it.
The opportunity materialized upon my relocation to the United States. Education in this context manifested in various forms — not solely within classrooms but also through employment, mentorship, and everyday experiences. With over twenty years of service as a technician at American University, specifically in facility management, I have rediscovered myself at the core of education — this time not as a conventional student, but as a participant within the system that sustains learning.
The Education Behind the Walls
In the world of facility management, learning never stops. Each day brings a new challenge — a failing sensor, a heating imbalance, a plumbing leak, or a need for system optimization. No two days are alike, and that’s what keeps the work exciting. Technical skills gained from vocational trade schools and online training are essential, but the learning that happens on the job — through teamwork, observation, and mentorship — is just as valuable.
My colleagues at American University have been some of my greatest teachers. Each technician brings deep experience in their craft, and each interaction is an opportunity to share lessons and insights. Within our team, we embrace the idea that every problem solved is another page in our shared book of knowledge.
For both new technicians entering the field and seasoned professionals, the key to success is embracing change. Buildings evolve, technology advances, and sustainability practices shift — all of which require us to stay curious and adaptable. In this field, standing still means falling behind.
The “Every” Philosophy
Throughout my career, I built a personal philosophy around one simple but powerful word: every reminder that growth is continuous, intentional, and deeply human.
- Every day offers a new opportunity to improve.
- Every mistake is a lesson waiting to be understood.
- Every room, including the mechanical one, is a classroom.
- Every colleague is a teacher with knowledge to share.
- Every challenge brings a small victory closer.
This simple perspective has helped me transform daily work into an ongoing journey of self-development. Whether repairing a motor, troubleshooting a control panel, or replacing a valve, each action contributes to something bigger — the learning environment that shapes future generations.
A Shared Purpose
Facility management is more than maintaining infrastructure; it’s about maintaining possibility. Every technician plays a vital role in the university’s mission to educate and inspire. When a classroom stays warm in winter, or a lab operates safely and efficiently, it’s because of the unseen efforts of skilled professionals working behind the scenes.
For those of us in this field — in the campuses of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia — our contribution is profound. We turn buildings into learning spaces, maintenance into mentorship, and work into a lifelong lesson.
The next time you pass through a classroom, a student center, or a lecture hall, remember that behind every space of learning is a team ensuring that education, in all its forms, never stops.
Because in facility management, every room is a classroom — and every day is an opportunity to keep learning.
