Our Stories: Namrata "Namoo" Carolan
Namrata “Namoo” Carolan has traded her life in politics for one as a security officer at the University of Michigan.
A former elected official, Carolan served a year on the Hillsdale County Commission after two terms on the Hudson City Council.
She says her work now is an extension of the public service she provided in local politics.
“[In] this job I’m seeking to continue to serve,” said Carolan, who was in guest services for two years before becoming a security officer. “I take great pride in just serving our community-at-large. DPSS gives me a much better perspective to understand how I can [help] our community in the best way.”
She adds that her extensive background, which includes her undergraduate degree in child psychology and counseling, “really gives me a broader perspective to serve.”
As a security officer for the past year, her job involves routine patrols, monitoring surveillance systems and responding to tense situations.
Even in difficult times, people deserve to be treated fairly, she said.
“This role just brings out something different inside of you,” Carolan said. “We’re human and everybody requires respect and integrity.
“Somewhere down the line, hopefully, they'll remember that somebody walked them through a time [that] was very difficult.”
Carolan calls the University of Michigan her home away from home.
“The University of Michigan has been very special to a lot of people and for me in a unique way because I’m coming from a different country,” said Carolan, who was born and raised in India.
“It gives me an understanding that different cultures are embraced as one.”
Carolan added that the university teaches her every day, particularly as a melting pot of cultures.
“I’m very humbled just to be a part of such a big organization and to give back and share my own culture and where I come from in a different way. I feel like it's a family… and feel like I'm a student for life.”