Breaking the Mold: A Story of Service and Leadership

Audra Burwell, Communications Assistant

March 20, 2024

As a Richter Center Student Leader and Kremen School Liberal Studies Major, Merici Ulloa Moran knows the power of service in shaping not only her student experience but also her career aspirations. Acting as a leader on the SERVE Central California: A Journey to Achieving Collective Impact project allowed her to organize and conduct impactful one-day service events, connecting with her community and nurturing her passion for education.

Last year, Merici decided to take her commitment to service a step further by participating in Alternative Spring Break. Motivated by her desire to work with children and make a meaningful difference, she eagerly signed up for a weeklong volunteering opportunity. Little did she know that this experience would not only reaffirm her love for teaching but also leave a lasting impression on her and the community she served.

Throughout the week, Merici immersed herself in STEAM activities, engaging students in hands-on projects and fostering their curiosity and creativity. One particular moment stood out to her—a boy, usually cheerful and full of laughter, seemed downtrodden and disengaged. Sensing something amiss, Merici approached him with concern and discovered his frustration with a project he didn’t enjoy.

Instead of dismissing his feelings, Merici sat down with him, patiently guiding him through the instructions and encouraging him to tackle the task at his own pace. As he regained his enthusiasm and confidence, Merici witnessed the transformative power of individual attention and support. His smile and heartfelt gratitude filled her with joy, reaffirming her belief in the impact of small acts of kindness.

Reflecting on her experience, Merici realizes how her leadership role and community service have influenced her personal and academic growth. From her early days volunteering in middle school to her current involvement with the Richter Center, she has developed a deep-seated passion for helping others and creating positive change.

Eager to inspire her peers to break the mold of traditional Spring Break and engage in meaningful service opportunities, Merici wants to share her story and encourage students to get involved with the Richter Center. Whether through social media, newsletters, or direct communication with the dedicated staff, she explains the accessibility of service opportunities and the transformative potential of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

Despite facing initial challenges in engaging students and overcoming hesitations, Merici remains steadfast in her belief that community service is a gateway to personal growth and fulfillment. Her advice to fellow students echoes her own journey—reach out, ask questions, and seize the opportunity to make a difference, both for oneself and for others.

As Merici continues her journey as a leader and advocate for service, she carries with her the memory of that special moment during Alternative Spring Break—a reminder of the profound impact of compassion, dedication, and the willingness to step up and serve others.

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The Richter Center Student Leadership (RCSL) Program provides students who embody a passion for service with leadership opportunities and the opportunity to serve their peers. RCSL members volunteer their time to promote and support the university’s community engagement efforts.  They do this through a variety of projects and programs such as National Volunteer Week, presentations and workshops for Fresno State students; outreach at campus events like the Richter Center’s Community Service Opportunities Fairs; peer-to-peer assistance in the Richter Center; and planning Fresno State one-day and short term service events like Alternative Spring Break and Spring into Service. The Richter Center Student Leaders (RCSL) is comprised of three (3) distinct teams which are: The Richter Center Ambassadors, Alternative Spring Break Leaders, and the SERVE Committee. To get involved with the Richter Center and to explore ways to give back to your community, explore their website!

Unveiling Magic in Every Student

Fresno County’s Teacher of the Year shares her inspiring journey

Audra Burwell, Communications Assistant

March 6, 2024

This past November, Emmelin Herrera’s jaw dropped when her name was called for an honor she never expected— being named Teach of the Year for Fresno County! Walking up the steps to be recognized on stage at the William Saroyan Theater, Herrera’s moment in the spotlight became only more meaningful as her parents were in the audience to see this dream come true.

The S.T.E.A.M. educator at Juan Felipe Elementary School has enthusiastically integrated real-world projects during her nine years of teaching to ignite curiosity and a passion for discovery in her 6th-grade students. Herrera is fueled by a commitment to diverse students and elevating every pupil’s unique talents.

“I was exceptionally proud to win the Teacher of the Year Award for Fresno Unified, as it is the third largest district in California. I am humbled and honored that my name is listed next to other exemplary educators from our county.” 

– Emmelin Herrera

Herrera’s journey begins as an immigrant to the United States, where she would catch up on culture, academics, and language to propel herself to where she is today. After graduating from Dos Palos High School, Herrera aimed for a career in graphic design; however, financial hurdles created a barrier to her desired field of work. Juggling three jobs, including one as an informal science instructor aide, she discovered her passion for teaching. Her journey to becoming a U.S. Citizen on January 9, 2024, marked another significant achievement.

As a Fresno State alumna, Herrera was prepared for her career in the classroom through a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies, completing the multiple subject teaching credential and a Master’s degree in education. Her professors admire how she addresses learning gaps and supports diverse English language learners to this day. Inspired by her time as a science instructor, Herrera became a “science lab teacher,” reinforcing her desire to inspire young minds.

“The guidance of my former professors at Fresno State has shaped who I am today as an educator. The professors at the Kremen School are all passionate about what they teach and are familiar with the demographics in the Central Valley.”

– Emmelin Herrera

Guided by mentors like Dr. Fred Nelson and Dr. Jeanie Behrend, Herrera enthusiastically recalls their impact on her teaching philosophy. Her collaborations with distinguished administrators and educators in Fresno Unified further enrich her professional growth.

“I still keep in touch with Dr. Fred Nelson who has been one of my biggest inspirations. I knew from the moment that I was in his class that I wanted my students to experience the same feeling. I remember always being engaged, feeling a sense of belonging, collaborating, communicating, and critically thinking to find solutions.”

– Emmelin Herrera

As an advocate for S.T.E.A.M. Content Integration, Herrera presents professional learning opportunities and contributes to curriculum design through Strategic Teacher Education Partnership (S.T.E.P.) Program. She emphasizes engaging students to discover their unique talents, nurturing their “inner magic.”

Herrera’s recognition as Teacher of the Year reflects her commitment to educational excellence. Grateful for the support from her family, colleagues, and community, she views the award as a testament to the transformative power of education.

With this career milestone checked off her list, Herrera aspires to one day become a professor at Fresno State, sharing her experiences and influencing future educators. Her other dreams include conducting research beyond the classroom, emphasizing the importance of student engagement and content integration for overall success. Herrera envisions a future where her students contribute positively to their communities and the world by uncovering their own passion and inner magic.

Holmes Program Empowers Doctoral Students through Nationwide Connections and Financial Support

Audra Burwell, Communications Assistant

January 25, 2024

The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Fresno State has been accepted into the American Association of Colleges and Teacher Education (AACTE) Holmes Program, a nationwide initiative that aims to enhance the recruitment and success of students of color pursuing a degree in education. Students selected to become Holmes Scholars receive access to professional development opportunities and a national community of administrators, faculty and peers.

“Although the Holmes program has been around for over 30 years, we are one of just a few institutions in California to be a member. We are excited to offer this opportunity to our students.”

– Dr. Juliet Wahleithner

The inaugural cohort for the Holmes Scholars at Fresno State is comprised of four students in spring 2024: Adelfa Lorenzano, Dana Grisby, Fabiola Pérez and Floridia Cheung. Two students will be accepted in the fall to fulfill the program’s capacity of six Holmes Scholars, and two new Scholars will be added each academic year as students complete their three-year doctoral program. Interested Fresno State doctoral students may apply to the program by completing an application expressing their professional goals, research areas and intentions for participating in the program. 

“…Being selected for the first cohort of the Holmes Scholars program at Fresno State is sincerely an honor. As a first-generation Latina, to know that there are programs looking for individuals with my background is rewarding.”

– Adelfa Lorenzano

Benefits of the program include connections with fellow Holmes Scholars at Fresno State and member institutions, the National Association of Holmes Scholars Alumni (NAHSA) alumni network, peer and faculty mentors and the program coordinators on campus. Holmes Scholars may receive funding to join a professional organization, benefit from tuition support after advancement to candidacy, and are invited to attend monthly AACTE meetings for the Holmes Program, professional development sessions, the Summer Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., the Annual Meeting and the Holmes Program Preconference. These resources aim to empower participants throughout their educational journeys and help them explore diverse career options in education.

“As a doctoral candidate, I want to do action research that is meaningful for myself and my school communities, and to focus on empowering our unique and under-represented population. We all work and serve Central Valley students, and it is important to collaborate together in research and study to support our diverse student population.”

– Floridia Cheung

The Fresno State Holmes Scholars Program will be housed in the Kremen School of Education and Human Development and is jointly coordinated by Dr. Ignacio Hernández, the Director of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, and Dr. Juliet Wahleithner, the Director of Educator Preparation Programs. Through the inclusion in the AACTE Holmes Program, Fresno State strives to provide aspiring educators from diverse backgrounds with the support and guidance they need to excel in their graduate studies and make a meaningful impact in the field of education.

“Holmes Scholars often become part of a community that advocates for diversity and inclusion in education. This involvement can raise visibility within the academic community and position me as an advocate for positive change in my field that will hopefully lead to a leadership role of principalship in my district.”

– Fabiola Pérez

Information about the Fresno State Holmes Scholars is available at FresnoState.edu/holmesscholars.

Meet the Inaugural Fresno State Holmes Scholars 

Floridia Cheung Online Cohort 7 Floridia Cheung is the principal at Design Science Middle College High School, a Fresno Unified School District specialty school at Fresno City College. She has been a middle and high school teacher in science, career technical education (CTE) for architecture and art and is a Fulbright teacher that had the opportunity to visit Indonesian schools in 2018. Floridia earned a B.A. from UCLA, an M.A. from Fresno State and is enrolled in the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership in order to become a better advocate and educator for students in the Central Valley.
	Fabiola Pérez Face-to-Face Cohort 16 Originally from Culiacán, Sinaloa, Fabiola Pérez is Vice Principal at Bullard High School within Fresno Unified. Her 17-year career in education includes roles as a teacher, coach and administrator where she uplifts underprivileged students and fosters a positive school culture. Fabiola is a two-time Fresno State alumna with a B.A. in Liberal Studies, an M.A. in Teaching and expects to complete her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in 2025.
Dana Grisby Online Cohort 8 Hailing from Merced, CA, Dana Grigsby is a tenured professor of African American Studies at Laney College in Oakland, CA. She has served in the U.S. Peace Corps twice, in both Botswana and Guyana and has been recognized as a Stanford Global Studies Education Partnership forInternationalizing Curriculum (EPIC) Fellow (2020) and with the Kremen School of Education and Human Development Equity Scholar Doctoral Award (2023-24). Dana earned a B.A. in Journalism from Howard University, an M.A. in African American Studies from UCLA and anticipates completion of her Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2026.
	Adelfa Lorenzano  Face-to-Face Cohort 17 Adelfa Lorenzano is the Director of Reedley College’s Title V (DHSI-2020): Community and College Connections for Expanded Educational Opportunity project. She is a founder and is current Past-President of the Latino Faculty and Staff Association, co-chair of the annual Reedley College Padres Como Compañeros Conference, and has served on numerous youth-focused advisory and community event boards. Adelfa has a B.A. from Fresno Pacific University, an M.A. from National University and expects to complete her doctorate in 2026.

Shaping the Future of Education: The Kremen School hosts a Teacher Induction Ceremony and Orientation

The Kremen School of Education and Human Development’s Teacher Induction Ceremony and Orientation took place Saturday, August 19th, 8:15 AM – 2:30 PM, gathering over 400 Teacher Education Candidates, Coaches, Mentor Teachers, and Faculty. There were 26 Education Specialist attendees present, 228 Multiple Subject, and 151 Single Subject. While Kremen has held a Teacher Induction Ceremony for Teacher Education Candidates, Faculty, and Coaches in the past, this event also included Mentor Teachers and incorporated program orientation which wasn’t present in past ceremonies. 

Dr. Juliet Wahleithner, Director of Educator Preparation programs, kicked off the morning by highlighting all who were in attendance–Candidates from the Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist Programs; Teacher Residents; and Candidates from the South Valley Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP). Dean Randy Yerrick then welcomed the group, reminding candidates that they never know when they will make a difference in a student’s life. After, all Candidates stood together and said in unison the Educator Affirmation.

In a Teacher Candidate-specific general session, they learned what would be expected of them in the program. A panel of five completers of Kremen’s Teaching Credential Programs then shared their experiences and recommendations for success. 

• Gerardo Aguayo (Education Specialist Credential Program – Mild/Mod)
• Katelyn Salazar (Single Subject Credential Program – Social Science/History)
• Khai Li Wan (Education Specialist Credential Program – Extensive Support Needs)
• Bruno Cazares (Single Subject Credential Program – English)
• Randi Nichols (Multiple Subject Credential Program) 

These completers have nearly all succeeded in obtaining teaching positions either during the completion of their degree or shortly thereafter. They now instruct in many local districts including Firebaugh-Las Deltas Unified, Golden Valley Unified, and Visalia Unified School Districts. 

At the same time, Coaches and Mentor Teachers were in their own session where veterans shared their experiences and recommendations.

Participants had the opportunity to learn the expectations of both their program-specific expectations and their clinical practice experience as well as the specifics of the Fresno Assessment of Student Teachers (FAST), Fresno State’s required teaching performance assessment. Many individuals left the event feeling more confident and at ease in regard to the future of their academic journey. 

“I want to thank everyone responsible for the Orientation Event last Saturday. I applaud you for all of your hard work and commitment to getting us off to a great start for the new school year. Over the past few years, there have been many changes, within our Educational programs. With change there often comes frustrations, concerns, uncertainties, and many more emotions. This event truly brought a sense of community for all involved. With such a great team of professionals, I am excited  to see what the future holds. Together, we can and will make a difference in the lives of our students.”

– Anonymous participant 

Kremen believes that as a teacher, one has the power to directly impact the future of our world. They aspire to help their students develop the knowledge and tools necessary to allow education to grow and flourish in the PK-12 classroom. 

Nearly three-quarters of the teachers in the greater Fresno region were prepared at Fresno State. By completing one’s credential requirements through Kremen, they are joining a community of notable educators. Many of Kremen’s graduates have gone on to succeed in careers as classroom teachers, site and district administrators, and university faculty. A large number have also returned to the Kremen School to pursue further graduate degrees. 

Kremen’s Teacher Education programs are accredited at both the state level, by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTE), and the national level, by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Kremen’s faculty and staff are committed to ensuring students have the best possible preparation to reach their full potential as an educator. Whether pursuing a Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Special Education (Education Specialist) credential, those enrolled will be taught by high-quality faculty deeply rooted in the local context. They will also have the opportunity to complete their clinical field placement experience in a local PK-12 school while being mentored by a currently-practicing PK-12 teacher and a university coach. 

Kremen understands that studying to be an educator can be challenging as one works to balance their coursework expectations and clinical field placement expectations with their personal responsibilities and home life. They encourage students to look for ways to practice self-care while also providing support through program coordinators, instructional faculty, and coaches. Their goal is to see their students succeed and reach their fullest potential. 

If you are interested in joining Kremen’s Teacher Education Program, please visit our website. 

(Written by Audra Burwell, a Creative Writing MFA student employed by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.)

Kremen’s Student Affairs and College Counseling Program Displays Excellence in Academic Leadership

Two current students and one alumni from the Kremen School of Education and Human Development’s Student Affairs and College Counseling program (SACC) were recently elected and appointed into leadership roles within the California College Personnel Association (CCPA). CCPA is the California state chapter of ACPA-College Student Educators International, one of the largest student affairs professional associations in the world. CCPA is committed to providing professional development, networking opportunities, leadership experience, and information on the latest trends and issues in the field of academia. Jose Medina III (alumni) has been elected as President-Elect of CCPA. Samantha Bautista (current student) was elected as CCPA’s Director of Communication with her classmate Ashley Gutierrez taking on the role as Graduate Representative for CCPA.

Kremen’s SACC program provides individuals with the academic preparation and training to effectively address the academic, career, and personal counseling needs of college students. SACC students receive extensive training and supervision in the core conditions of Person-Centered Counseling through coursework, practicum, and field practice. The application of the core conditions in the work of student affairs professionals is essential in developing cohesive working relationships and understanding the needs of diverse students in higher education. The classroom and experiential opportunities allow SACC students to learn, practice, and apply their counseling knowledge in a variety of higher education settings.

ASHLEY GUTIERREZ | GRADUATE REPRESENTATIVE, CCPA

Ashley Gutierrez is a first-generation Latina college student and was accepted in 2021 to the Master’s in Student Affairs and College Counseling (SACC) program at Fresno State. She previously attended Reedley Community College before transferring to Fresno State, earning her B.A. in 2018. Since returning as a grad student, Ashley has been actively involved: currently she is working for Academic Success Coaching as an Academic Coach, where she supports students’ educational journey at Fresno State. Similarly, last summer she joined Fresno State’s Dog Days Orientation Team and welcomed incoming students. This past fall semester, she completed an internship with the Transfer Success Center while helping to coordinate their National Transfer Student Week. Outside of school, she has also been actively engaged within the Central Valley communities by participating in the Central Valley Latino Leadership Academy, the League of Mexican American Women, and has also written grants and historical research for Arte America. Being appointed as the Graduate Representative for CCPA is meaningful since she will be able to not only network with like minded individuals, but will also use the skills she learned from the SACC graduate program to address various needs of higher education & student affairs professionals and graduate students in California. 

JOSE MEDINA III  | PRESIDENT-ELECT, CCPA

Jose L Medina III (he/him) is a Central Valley Native born and raised in Merced, a city in the center of California. His commitment to the region and higher education forms his personal mission to promote college access for those who come from the surrounding rural communities. Prior to his current role in the School of Engineering at the University of California, Merced, Jose served as the inaugural Admissions Outreach Specialist in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at California Health Sciences University (2022) as well as various roles within the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and the Division of Academic Affairs at Fresno State (2018-2022). 

Jose advocates for empowering students to reach their full potential academically and personally. He is a strong believer that in the field of Higher Education, we are in this together. This not only includes mentoring of students but also the mentoring of aspiring student affairs professionals. 

Jose received a BA in History and an M.S. in Counseling – Student Affairs and College Counseling option (with distinction) from Fresno State. Beginning in Fall 2023 he will begin his Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education Administration from St. Cloud State University. 

Jose’s leadership has also been recognized in various ways. His current position as P.E. for CCPA, which is a three-year elected position as part of the Presidential Cycle: President-Elect (2023-2024), President (2024 – 2025), Past-President (2025 – 2026). Prior to his current role as President-Elect, Jose served as Director of Membership (2022-2023) and Graduate Student Representative (2020-2021). Jose also serves as the Co-Chair of Outreach for the Staff and Faculty of Color Association at UC Merced. 

SAMANTHA BAUTISTA | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, CCPA 

Samantha Bautista (she/her), is a first-generation graduate student in the Master’s of Counseling, Student Affairs and College Counseling program. She received her B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Criminology in Spring 2021, and anticipates graduating with her Master’s in May 2023 as a two-time Alumni.  

Samantha has dedicated over five years of working with diverse students in various roles at Fresno State. She is currently serving as the Work-Based Learning Experiences Project Coordinator for the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) Initiative. Prior to this role she served as an Assistant Coordinator for the College of Social Sciences (COSS) Link Peer Mentor Program. In addition to this, she interned as an Academic Success Coach with the formerly named program SupportNet, now known as Academic Success Coaching. 

Throughout Samantha’s graduate program journey she served in leadership roles such as Secretary for the Student Affairs and College Counseling Graduate Student Association. She was recently nominated and elected as the Director of Communications for (CCPA). Through this role she is responsible for being a liaison between the Association and the members, managing the social media platforms, and sending out Newsletters among other responsibilities. She is looking forward to serving alongside her peers and the CCPA leadership team. Samantha is passionate about serving students through various roles in Student Affairs and College Counseling.

Kremen Student Wins Award for Improving the Quality of Life for Students with Disabilities

Back in October, Noble was awarded the City of Fresno Disability Advisory Commission’s 14th Annual Achievement Award for outstanding and dedicated service to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Noble was nominated for the award by Dr. Alicia Becton, Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Counselor Education and Rehabilitation at the Kremen School of Education and Human Development. 

Jordan Noble was only 25 years old when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She was working for Fresno Unified School District in the Special Education Department at the time and holding down three different jobs.

Shortly after the diagnosis, she began to struggle with walking and standing. She was falling down more than usual.

“After I got the diagnosis, the progression of the disease was a lot quicker than doctors were expecting,”

– Noble. 

As a result, Noble’s life changed faster than she anticipated. She had to purchase a wheelchair and come to grips with the effects of having a disability. She had to put aside her plans to adjust to a new lifestyle by requesting accommodations and resources.

“The biggest test for me was learning to find myself after becoming disabled. Who I was as a person changed fundamentally.”

– Noble.

Noble, now 37, could’ve used her diagnosis as a reason to give up on life; instead, she used it as motivation to help others with disabilities. Now, her accomplishments have been recognized by the City of Fresno.

Noble’s diagnosis forced her to open a case with the California Department of Rehabilitation to explore her options and determine what services were available to assist her. It also served as a secret blessing, one she never imagined at the time. 

She spent the next several years picking up the pieces of her broken education by attending Fresno City College. After she finished her education, Noble transferred to Fresno State. It was then that her new passion started to surface. 

Noble began interning with Resources for Independence Central Valley (RICV) as a Youth Empowerment Specialist when she bumped into Dr. Becton, who was at the time the RICV Board President. She expressed to Dr. Becton her interest in becoming a counselor, and after that, the rest is history. Mentorship, community connections, and support were key pieces to Noble thriving in her endeavors. 

Noble enrolled in the Masters of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Program at Fresno State. Things quickly began to change for her.

 “If it weren’t for Fresno State, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.”

– Noble.

Dr. Alicia Becton, Sarah Harris, Dr. Yuleinys Castillo, and Aubrey Alfano wrote the inspiring letters of recommendation that eventually garnered Noble the DAC Achievement Award.

With her new award firmly in hand, Noble has future aspirations of working for the California Department of Rehabilitation. She hopes to assist others who also identify with having disabilities while also limiting her work to part-time so she can focus on family. 

Until then, Noble’s award will continue to uplift her family, friends, and the community. 

“All that means to me is that everybody else needs to step their game up.”

– Noble.

(Written by staff members at the Kremen School of Education and Human Development)  

From Internship to Success

Lucero Mendoza, an intern who worked with Kremen’s Center for Advising and Student Services, is now pursuing her master’s degree in Student Affairs and College Counseling. She is projected to graduate by Spring 2023, after which, she plans to become an academic counselor in higher education. The knowledge and life skills she gained through her internship prompted her to continue reaching for her dreams, instilling her with a sense of purpose and renewed confidence.

Unfortunately, Mendoza did not have a smooth transition to college. Being a first-generation college student, she was not equipped to navigate the intimidating environment of higher education. Because of this, she decided early on that she wanted to use her future degree to help assist other first-generation college students facing the same predicament. Throughout her first year of college, Mendoza was part of a support program called “College Assistance Migrant Program” (CAMP). CAMP not only provided her with valuable resources but also introduced her to the Student Affairs College Counseling program. She began seeking assistance from peer mentors within the program. This motivated her to become a support system for other students who may also be struggling or simply need someone to talk to.

Mendoza’s internship at Kremen has helped prepare her for a future position in higher education by showing her the foundational principles of college counseling. Over the course of the last year, she has developed a new outlook regarding academic advising.

“I now understand how important it is to build a rapport with students, learning how to put oneself in their shoes. This has allowed me to take into consideration the fact that students have other responsibilities outside of their academic life, and because of this, counselors must approach each student with kindness and an open mind.”

Lucero Mendoza

Mendoza has also learned the importance of networking with other professionals. Throughout her internship, she has taken part in the Teacher Recruitment Fair and has also joined the Campus Advisors Network, where she was able to learn how other advising centers operated across campus, including any new changes that were happening. Mendoza also had the opportunity to connect with the Liberal Studies Dean, as well as other counseling members from their department. These opportunities have given her the chance to get to know other professionals in her field and learn more about their unique journeys to higher education.

Lucero Mendoza (Second from far left) with some of the other staff members at the Center for Advising and Student Services.

Working with the Center for Advising and Student Services has allowed Mendoza to gain a vast array of technical experience. Through them, she mastered how to navigate PeopleSoft, Bulldog Connect, and Zoom. Some of the other skills she has acquired include building effective communication pathways amongst students, discovering how to motivate individuals, and learning how to become an approachable person. Mendoza quickly realized the importance of having good listening skills and now strives to be as attentive to students as possible. She wants to make sure her students feel understood and validated when coming in for a session. Through Kremen, she has been taught the importance of working as a collaborative team while also building healthy relationships with both her coworkers and students. 

One of the techniques Mendoza has adopted is being flexible with her student’s availability, especially with 98% of student meetings now occurring via Zoom. At times, students may prefer having a phone call or do not feel comfortable meeting face-to-face. Other times, they are only available in the late evenings or after school hours. To Mendoza, it is extremely important to meet students halfway and remind them that she is there to support them in any way she can. Through working with the advisors at Kremen, she has learned many different techniques on how to approach students. One of her biggest takeaways is remembering to always check in with her students and conduct a follow-up after their appointment.

Organization is another crucial skill that Mendoza picked up during her internship with the counseling center. She began to utilize platforms such as Google Calendar to help itemize priorities and to keep herself from over-booking.

“Juggling school, work, and an internship can quickly become overwhelming, but having a calendar helped me to stay accountable and on track. I also used it to remind myself to take self-care days, allowing my mind to naturally reset during stressful semesters.”

Lucero Mendoza

 Mendoza loves sharing this tool with her students, knowing that it will help them exert more responsibility over their academic lives.  

For Mendoza, the Center for Advising and Student Services will always be an environment filled with positivity and encouragement. The staff members provided her with tremendous support and guidance throughout her first year as an advisor intern. One of the most poignant memories Mendoza made during her internship was when Kremen hosted a Christmas potluck. It was her first-time meeting everyone in person since joining the department. She was amazed at how well everyone got along, something that made her feel included immediately.

Lucero attending the Christmas potluck with her coworkers.

Being with Kremen has made Mendoza realize that she wants to secure a job that makes her feel welcome and understood, a place where everyone works as a team and shares the same goal of supplying the best possible service for students.

(Written by Audra Burwell, a Creative Writing Student Employed by The Kremen School of Education and Human Development)