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Saray, Serna Center Coordinator at California State University, Sacramento: Advize Career Interview
A first-generation college student's journey from leveraging campus support programs to becoming a Serna Center Coordinator at Sacramento State showcases the power of embracing opportunities and self-advocacy.
This retention specialist's role focuses on empowering first-year students from migrant and seasonal farm working backgrounds, providing essential resources and fostering their growth into confident scholars.
Days are filled with impactful student interactions, problem-solving, and collaboration, all while requiring active listening, empathy, and the ability to maintain well-being.
The most rewarding aspect is witnessing students' transformative journeys and celebrating their graduation.
Overcoming challenges like boundary setting and reframing student mindsets are key, fueled by a genuine desire to give back and make a lasting impact.
Aspiring professionals in higher education should consider student assistant positions and prioritize financial transparency, remembering that self-advocacy and continuous learning are crucial for success.
Sacramento State's nurturing environment played a pivotal role in this career trajectory, demonstrating the potential for profound personal and professional growth within a supportive community.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Saray Aguirre
Serna Center Coordinator
California State University, Sacramento
CSU, Sacramento
CSU, Sacramento - MA in Education (Higher Educational Leadership & Policy Studies)
Anthropology, Sociology
Education
Education
HSI Grad, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a Serna Center Coordinator at Sacramento State
As a first-generation college student, Saray's career path began by leveraging campus support programs like EOP and CAMP, leading to a student assistant position at the Serna Center during sophomore year. "Taking more opportunities, even if it meant taking them scared," Saray then gained experience with EOP and CAMP, eventually landing a full-time role with CAMP post-graduation for three and a half years before circling back to the Serna Center as a coordinator, demonstrating a commitment to student support and career growth through campus opportunities.
Main Responsibilities of a CAMP Retention Specialist at Sacramento State
As a Serna Center Coordinator and retention specialist, main responsibility involves ensuring the success of first-year students from migrant and seasonal farm working backgrounds through frequent "one-on-one check-ins" and facilitating a first-year course that equips students with the resources they need, leveraging experience as a former student of the program to build trust and provide relatable support. Saray also collaborates with the outreach team to ensure successful events for incoming cohorts, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to student retention and support.
A Day In The Life Of A Serna Center Coordinator At California State University Sacramento
A retention specialist's day, according to Saray, begins early and is structured around numerous student meetings, each unique and rewarding, aimed at motivating students and helping them overcome challenges, but also consists of administrative tasks like emails, printing, and coordinating with campus partners, with the final hour dedicated to catching up, ensuring the office is clear, and then commuting home. Even though the days are "consistent in the sense that there's meetings throughout each week, each day, but each meeting has its own unique conversation," which keeps a retention specialist on their toes, as a result of the varying needs of students that retention specialists serve.
Most Important Skills For A Serna Center Coordinator At Sacramento State
Saray emphasizes the importance of "knowing how to be an active listener" and being understanding of students' diverse backgrounds, highlighting the need to reframe negative mindsets into positive ones so that they "begin to believe in themselves"; on the professional side, Saray notes that the ability to compartmentalize and "not take things personally" is crucial for maintaining well-being while dealing with students' serious concerns.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Serna Center Coordinator At Sacramento State
Saray most enjoys witnessing the transformative growth of students throughout their first year, watching them emerge from initial shyness into confident young professionals and scholars, equipped to succeed throughout their college journey. The dynamic nature of the role, fueled by constant student interaction and a vibrant office atmosphere, keeps the work engaging and rewarding, especially when seeing those same students "walk that stage" at graduation after bearing witness to their growth and transformation.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Serna Center Coordinator At Sacramento State University
Saray's biggest challenge in the role as Serna Center Coordinator was initially setting boundaries, resisting the urge to "solve all of their concerns" and work after hours, which could lead to burnout. Another challenge involves reframing conversations with students struggling in courses like math, helping them believe in themselves and understand that their academic journey can be unique while still achieving their goals, a concept that requires repeated conversations and reassurance.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Higher Education Industry As A Serna Center Coordinator
Saray finds the most rewarding aspect of working in higher education to be the direct, lasting impact made on students' lives, noting that "once students graduate with their degrees, no one can take it from them." This is further emphasized when students return years later, sharing how Saray's guidance shaped their success, making the work fulfilling despite other potential drawbacks.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Education Industry, According To A Serna Center Coordinator At Sacramento State
Saray believes those who thrive in the Serna Center Coordinator role are driven by genuine care and a desire to give back, understanding the transformative power of education and support, especially for students from similar backgrounds; "it's one of those experiences where you're there because the student tells you you've made a change." Success isn't necessarily tied to financial gain, but rather to the profound rewards of empowering students and seeing them flourish, even amidst uncertainty in the field.
What a Serna Center Coordinator at California State University Sacramento Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Education Industry
Saray wishes someone had discussed the financial aspects of the Serna Center Coordinator role at California State University, Sacramento beforehand, especially considering the cultural norm in Hispanic/Latinx households of not discussing money, and emphasizes the importance of early boundary setting to avoid burnout. Saray is actively trying to change the narrative by being transparent about finances with students and family, believing that open conversation about all aspects of education is important.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Serna Center Coordinators
For undergraduates or graduate students looking to enter higher education, Saray, a Serna Center Coordinator, strongly recommends exploring student assistant positions, as "there's nothing better than experience" to learn if the field is a good fit, and these positions can lead to further opportunities through hard work and networking with campus partners. Saray emphasizes that "applying is the first step" and encourages students to "get out of your comfort zone" to gain valuable experience.
Significant Career Lesson From A Serna Center Coordinator At Sacramento State
Saray emphasizes the significance of "self-advocacy," stating that without it during sophomore year of undergraduate studies, career progression would not have been as successful as it has been. Self-advocacy involves having the courage to "stand up for yourself, making sure your questions are answered," and continuously seeking what is needed to move forward, even if it means asking many questions.
College Experiences That Helped A Serna Center Coordinator At Sacramento State Succeed
To set up for career success in college, Saray emphasized "taking advantage of every opportunity presented" and overcoming fear by doing things anyway, combined with actively practicing self-advocacy by asking a million questions to get clarity on how to reach goals. Saray highlights that asking for help and using available resources, even as a professional, is crucial for both personal growth and contributing to the overall team success.
Serna Center Coordinator at California State University Sacramento
Sac State provided Saray with opportunities to grow personally and professionally, fostering a strong sense of community that enabled career progression within the university; without Sac State, Saray states, "I genuinely don't think I would've came out of my little hometown of Watsonville." Saray credits Sac State for undergraduate and master's degrees, as well as for shaping who they are today, expressing a desire to give back to the students in the future.
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