Balancing Work and School

At first, I was nervous about starting a full-time online program with a full-time job. My time at SCSU was not easy, especially because I am a visual learner and I enjoy to be in class to be able to meet people and talk to the professor face-to-face. However, after I realized how convenient and flexible the program was, I really enjoyed it.

Here are some of my tips for balance:

1. My biggest advice will be to time-manage everything, work, readings, papers, etc. if you work, make sure you use any free time (lunch) to work on your assignments and readings
2. Make sure you always find a time to unwind and enjoy it for yourself.
3. The tools I used during my time in SCSU will be to buy a planner, email your professors for questions and use Tutor.com.
4. I would suggest students starting this program to have a support system, use the Inside Higher Ed and the Chronicle of Higher Education to stay current in the topics of higher education, check D2L often and plan

My Work

Communication at Work

As I have interacted with new and prospective students in one-on-one appointments and large-group settings such as orientations and presentations, I have been able to understand how to work with students, providing them the best service, and guiding them in starting their higher education journey. I have used my enhanced communication skills to improve my professional network and build a bridge with community members and high school counselors.

Communication Outside Work: Spanish Speaking Students

In my community engagement with the Consulate of Mexico, non-profit organizations (e.g. Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio- CLUES), and private and public high schools, I am able to do college presentations in Spanish, which helps me connect with the Spanish speaking families and assist them with questions about college. I take pride in what I do, as is just not only helping students, but also helping the Latino community. I am passionate about being a liaison to help families that do not understand the process of college when language is a barrier. Because of this, I am creating a bridge that connects Spanish-speaking students to learn about college. Adding to this, it’s motivating to work with all students from different high schools, students from diverse backgrounds, non-traditional students, etc. to educate about what college can offer them and see them achieve their academic goals.

English Learner (EL) Students

Three years ago, I started planning and coordinating the first EL visit at ARCC. We hosted Anoka Hennepin District high schools. Over 70+ EL students have visited ARCC. Through my time at SCSU, last year I started the collaboration with the EL teacher at ARCC to create a bridge to help students learn about the college process and its resources. We started by visiting high schools but after that, we started the planning for the first EL Day event at ARCC. We provided mini college classes, admission presentation in English and Spanish, current EL ARCC student panel and a tour of the college. The feedback from the EL high school teachers were rewarding to hear that students enjoyed their time at ARCC, as for other students that were not interested in attending college, the event changed their mind and got interested in attending college after the visit. Lastly, the EL students had the opportunity to hear that being bilingual or trilingual doesn’t cut off the opportunities to start college. However, it broadens opportunities in their educational journey.

Final Thoughts

With my involvement with other staff and faculty in the college, I have grown as a professional to bring more expertise to the students. I am a part of different committees on campus, such as Kickstart and Orientation groups, that merge to bring the best resources and environment to new students. My leadership skills have allowed me to be an exemplary team member within the college professional community to build ideas about the success of the students. I am motivated to continue reaching out to the community to educate first-generation students and their families about the possibilities to attend college. I can’t thank enough the support of the HIED professors and their understanding. In addition, thankful of my support system and proud of myself; I am amazed of how fast 2 years has gone by and I will be receiving my masters in Higher Education Administration in May 2020.

About the Author:

Fabiola Diaz is a second year graduate student at St. Cloud State University in the Higher Education Administration Program Additionally, she works as a Latino Admissions Advisor at Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC). Her role as an admissions advisor brings support to all students in their college success by providing information and resources in the areas of academics, financial aid, and placement testing as they start the admissions process at ARCC.