The UAB Department of Neurosurgery is spotlighting staff to focus on the importance of hobbies for stress relief, wellness and self-care.
The goal of the series is to connect individuals across the department by highlighting their hobbies as they relate to mental, physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, social and financial wellness.
 
Cameron Roby works in the UAB Department of Neurosurgery as an office specialist. She aids HR and faculty assistants with everyday tasks and manages the department’s directory, eLAS entries and reconciliations for the Van Meir and Osuka labs. Roby has been at UAB for four years, and joined the department in April 2022. 

Roby earned a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from The University of Alabama in 2021 and is currently working towards a Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing. She recently obtained the CompTIA+ certification and plans to also complete the security, networks and cloud certifications.

What hobby do you currently focus on in your downtime?   
I have many hobbies, such as playing video games, graphic design and working out. I also recently got into modeling. However, my biggest focus is volleyball. I currently play on UAB’s club team and have the opportunity to travel to other states and play other schools. 

What inspired you to explore this hobby?
I started playing volleyball when I was in the 7th grade. I was encouraged by my parents and the coach at the time. I initially didn’t want to play, but since my sister was there, I figured why not. It ended up being the best decision I’ve made; it truly changed my life. I then went on to play all through middle and high school, college and currently play on a club team. 

Have you noticed a change in your well-being since beginning this hobby and how does that translate into your work?  
Yes. For a while, I took a break to focus on school. I noticed that I became sluggish and overall not great. Now that I am actively playing, working out and eating healthier, I feel so much better. I feel happy and more confident. For work, this allows me to do my job more effectively because I’m not distracted by a lack of sleep and a general bad mood.

What are you most proud of?  
I am proud of my dedication to volleyball. I have had my good and bad days. In the end, it has always made me a better person. I am most proud of the fact that I made it onto a college team. That was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I worked day and night to better myself on the court, and to see it pay off inspires me that I can do anything.