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.
Student Development, Mentorship, Personal Growth, Community Building, Higher Education
Advizer Information
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Job Title
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Undergrad
Grad Programs
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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
Video Highlights
1. Witnessing student growth: The role allows for close interaction with students, observing their development from shy newcomers to confident young professionals and scholars.
2. Varied and dynamic work: Each day brings something new, with unique conversations and a constant flow of activity, preventing the job from becoming repetitive.
3. Impactful student connections: The position fosters a supportive environment where students feel comfortable connecting with staff and seeking assistance, creating a vibrant and fulfilling workspace.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your role?
One of the many things I really enjoyed about this position was the students. Each year, we have a new cohort of students, and we work very closely with them from August until May. It's beautiful to see them grow and step out of their comfort zones.
Many students come in shy and timid, not knowing anyone. They leave with a group of friends they've really connected with throughout the year. Seeing them grow into the young professionals and scholars they are is rewarding. Knowing they can succeed in their first year, they can do it in their second, third, and fourth years up until graduation.
I was there long enough to see a couple of cohorts make it to graduation, which takes a lot of time. Remembering where they started as first-years and then seeing them graduate and walk that stage in their fourth year was extremely rewarding.
Regarding the job itself, I think knowing that each day would be something new was a highlight. It was never repetitive. If any task was, each conversation was new. I always had something on my calendar related to the students.
There was never a day where I had nothing going on. That was very important to me because being there from eight to five is a long time. However, it went by very fast because I enjoyed being with the students. They also kept us on our toes, either by asking questions or needing help with applications for scholarships or letters of recommendation.
The office was always alive, very full of life. That was one of the most beautiful things. It was a space where we could see our students be themselves and feel comfortable enough to connect with us daily.