Tobias Bauldwin is a smiling face in Brandeis.
Tobias Bauldwin, who has worked in the Brandeis Dining Hall for seven years, is loved by many for his cool and fun nature.
Several individuals have noted on Fizz, a school-specific social media platform where users are anonymous, that they enjoy interacting with Bauldwin due to his chill demeanor, with some even referring to him as the “GOAT” or the “MVP” of Brandeis.
Bauldwin reflected on the attitude he brings to work every day.
“I’m [a] cool, laid-back, chill person. Don’t get into drama,” Bauldwin said. “I got four siblings. I don’t got time for that.”
Bauldwin spoke about his close connection with his siblings, saying that their relationship takes precedence in his life. This is also shown through the tattoos Bauldwin has on his forearms.
“I got two tattoos. [This one says,] ‘family first’ and then [this one] says, ‘my family, my strength’ and then all my siblings’ names actually,” Bauldwin said. “I got this one as soon as my sister got out of the hospital.”
In addition to being close with his siblings, Bauldwin also takes pride in the fact that he is an uncle. He said that he loves spending time with his young nephew.
“He was just over the other day. He’s so cute,” Bauldwin said.
Bauldwin stated that he is grateful for the opportunity to watch his nephew grow up, as his life was at one point not guaranteed.
When Bauldwin was an infant, he suffered from Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS). Nearly deceased, he was rushed to the hospital to undergo intensive operations.
This tragic event left Bauldwin with several lifelong ailments, including blindness in his left eye and Cerebral Palsy on the left side of his body. Doctors told him that he wouldn’t be able to have certain experiences, but Bauldwin always persisted.
“ … They [said] I wouldn’t be able to graduate [high school]. I graduated. I cried,” Bauldwin said.
Bauldwin’s experience with SBS prompted his childhood dream of becoming a special education teacher.
“When I was younger, I wanted to be a special ed teacher,” Bauldwin said. “I was like thinking about people like me and where I came from.”
Following high school, Bauldwin pursued a higher diploma from a program at the Omaha Public Schools’ Teacher Administration Center (TAC).
“I cried at that graduation, too,” Bauldwin said.
Bauldwin started working at Creighton immediately after graduating from the TAC program. Despite being proud of the accomplishment, Bauldwin realized his passions lay outside of education.
He stated that his life has changed for the better in the last year due to his budding relationship with his girlfriend Taryn.
He has big plans for their one-year anniversary, which they will be celebrating this month. Bauldwin said he plans to give her a promise ring along with other gifts.
Bauldwin mentioned that he is pleased with the relationships he and his girlfriend have formed with each other’s families.
“My little sisters love the heck out of her,” Bauldwin said. “They’re like, ‘Oh my god, is Taryn on the phone?’”
He also noted that he is excited to celebrate Halloween with her, as they have already ordered their Night Fury and Light Fury costumes, referencing the movie “How to Train Your Dragon.”
Finally, Bauldwin spoke about some of his hobbies, saying that he loves playing video games with his girlfriend and watching cooking shows. He also enjoys reading and drawing, noting that “The Hunger Games” is his favorite book series.