Congratulations to our SMS Standout Cyrena (Niki) Wyatt. Niki is an EMT that is a site lead at one of our testing facilities in Houma and was recently nominated for customer recognition, excellent performance, living the SMS mission, and quality of work. Whenever there is a problem, Niki is always willing to go above and beyond to solve it. She cares deeply about her employees and their wellbeing and is a great all-around person to talk to. If there is a question she cannot answer, she will call every member along the chain of command herself until she can find the answer. She has the respect and admiration of all her peers. Great job, Niki.
We asked Niki to tell us about her typical day.
A.A. Describe a typical day at work.
N.W. As site lead, I ensure all personnel flying offshore has been tested, gotten a negative result, adhered to Shell’s guidelines, and passes the screening process. I also ensure all employees at the heliport goes through screening each morning. I do my best to keep our client’s happy and everyone healthy.
A.A. What was the best vacation you have ever taken?
N.W. The best vacation I’ve ever taken was when I was able to save up and take not only my husband and our kids but also my mama, dad, and little sister to the beach. It was the best because not even a year before that, my mama had a hemorrhagic stroke and came close to not making it.
A.A. Describe yourself in one sentence.
N.W. I’m a loyal, hardworking, faithful, mama, wife, daughter, sister and friend.
A.A. What is your favorite thing about your job?
N.W. My coworkers are the best thing about my job. They make it so much easier.
A.A. What food could you live on for a month?
N.W. Macaroni and cheese!
A.A. Do you have a side hustle, hobby, or volunteer group that you’re involved in outside of work? What else do you spend your time doing?
N.W. I enjoy sitting in the mud and kiddie pool with my pig Hank. I love movie night with my family. I have a small online boutique called, Lucy’s Bayou Boutique. I’m also currently in the works of trying to volunteer with Battle Buddy Rescue which deals with helping veterans battling PTSD.
A.A. How do you stay motivated at work?
N.W. My children and family keep me motivated and striving to do better.
A.A. What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far?
N.W. When a little boy got run over by a lawnmower, we were able to stabile him the best we could until the helicopter landed. He lost his leg, some fingers and toes, but they were able to save his hand and he made it through. His parents came by the station to thank us and show us pictures of him playing.
A.A. Who would play you in a movie?
N.W. Melissa McCarthy
A.A. Tell us about a moment that changed your life.
N.W. My first workable code was my Mamaw. I lived with her a long time. She used to work on an ambulance and helped push me through school. She was my best friend. We couldn’t get her back.
A.A. What would be your advice for future [safety professionals]?
N.W. Learn all that you can. Always be reachable. You’re not always right.
A.A. What is your favorite activity outside of work?
N.W. Being at home with my family and animals
A.A. Name one book that inspired you professionally.
N.W. A child called “It”
A.A. Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why?
N.W. Read people minds
A.A. What was the best advice you were ever given?
N.W. All you need is faith the size of a mustard seed.
A.A. Do you have a bucket list? What are the top 3 things on it?
N.W. I don’t have one. I just live day to day and am thankful for that.
A.A. Do you have any pets? What are their names?
N.W. I have a pig named Hank. And a pit bull named Armani
A.A. A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?
N.W. Do you boys like Mexico?? And because a penguin walking in my house wouldn’t surprise anyone at this point. Haha
