DEMI DION: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences  

San Jacinto College was just the first stop on my plan for my future career. I knew the College was affordable and had transfer pathways for students wanting to do more than just get an associate degree. I worked as a student ambassador, and I would say the lessons I learned there will stay with me for my entire career.

1. There’s lots of questions but never enough time. 

I remember that I came in and met with two different admissions advisors during peak registration in my first semester. Those 20-minute appointments never felt long enough to ask all my questions and I always felt rushed or pushed from person to person. Now working as an Admissions Advisor, I see the other side of things. There’s so much information to relay to students during that appointment time! 

One thing that my experience inspired me to actively do with my students is make sure they have my contact information for later questions. I also reassure them that they can reach out even if they think it’s a stupid question and that I’m here to help. I also make sure to leave five minutes at the end of the appointment to let them ask any questions they may have and check in to be sure they understood the information. If my advisor at the time had done that, it would have made me feel like more than just another appointment on their schedule. 

2. Student ambassadors ask the questions we wish students would ask. 

Being a student ambassador means you’re constantly asking questions! Your whole job revolves around answering questions which means you need to ask questions to find information. You’ve got to know what day is the payment deadline or when registration opens so you ask. Because you’re used to asking questions it makes you more fearless in asking questions. There was someone in the Admissions office I worked with frequently in my role as student ambassador. I went to her and asked if she could be my mentor and she became someone I could go and ask questions about my future career. She’s now my boss! 

YOHANATH CHAVARRIA: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

I wasn’t sure if I was college ready and I felt that San Jacinto College would be a great place to dip my toe into the college experience. San Jac had small classes, I could stay close to home, and they were affordable. As a First Gen student I didn’t have anyone helping me through the college process. After working first with Recreational Sports and then as a student ambassador, I’m now a part time Admissions Advisor. Here’s some things I’d like you to know about working with First Gen students:

1. Don’t rush us.

Take the time to explain things to us even if it may seem like common sense. Some of us may not be used to different procedures that seem second nature to you. My mom had always told me not to put my information out online. But that’s how you fill out an application! Help us understand the why of the process so that we feel comfortable and ready to do it ourselves. 

2. Help the entire family

When I say that I didn’t have anyone to help me, it’s not that my family didn’t want to help. They were absolutely supportive of me; they just didn’t know how to help. Explain the process to the family in the same way you explain it to a student and let them know how the College will be helping their student through each step of the way. Also, be sure to tell them about College resources they could take advantage of. Here at San Jacinto College, we have a Food Market and Coat Rack that our students can use that would allow them to bring home food or a warm item like a jacket for each member of their household. Help them understand that Financial Aid is more than just loans and break down the different types of aid in a way that they can understand. Obviously if you can communicate to a family in their native language that’s the best, but if not have the information available in their language that way the family is able to absorb it in their own language. A video that they can watch at home or on their phone is especially helpful! 

If your institution has great students who would be interested in contributing to future Lessons from our Student Employees articles, please email the CIVSA Communications Committee.