10/07/2026
“I had a tumor on my spine when I was a baby. I’m healthy now, but I’ll always walk with a limp. As a kid, I’d get asked, ‘Why do you walk like that?’ Sometimes I was bullied, but I’ve got tough skin, so it didn’t really affect me. I feel blessed overall, and it’s made me look for the good in people, and to be more open to people.
I’m also pretty extroverted. That’s useful in my job as a campus security officer. My demeanor is to be friendly. I always talk to the students who come into the gym, just saying hello. Being courteous: that’s the point of the CSO. I can call police officers to help me out if I need them, but my job is to be a friendly face, to observe and report, to keep people safe. And because of where I work, I also try to give people motivation when they come through the door. I mean, good for them—they’re going to the gym!
We get training all the time: things like CPR and communications and mental health. I take mental health very seriously. With my disability, there’s been times where I’ve struggled with depression. I feel like just talking with someone can help. I’ve seen it with some students. Like during finals, it can get stressful. There’s been times when I can tell one of our regulars is feeling down, and I can ask, ‘Is there anything wrong? Can I help?’ I think it goes a long way.
I love working at the gym. I feel very appreciated there. A student once gave me a giant bag of cookies, I’ve gotten flowers… I feel awkward receiving stuff; I feel like I don’t deserve it. I’m just doing my job, but it’s so nice to get those things. The women’s lacrosse team gave me a card, telling me they appreciate my being myself and saying, ‘Welcome to Tufts!’ every day when they arrive. There was an awards ceremony recently, and some coaches told me students gave me a shout-out during a tribute video. I had no idea they were doing that, but it’s really satisfying to feel like I’m making an impact on others.
I really enjoy this job because that I’m just a people person trying to help any way I can. When I’m part of something, I try to put my best foot forward.”
—Ryan Buchino, campus security officer (CSO)
is a series of personal stories shared by members of the Tufts community. [📸: Alonso Nichols/Tufts University]
