Paul’s job as an RA gives him the opportunity to be a leader for fellow first-generation low-income students of color.
What advice would you give to students who are seeking or starting their campus employment journey?
My advice to students seeking or starting their campus employment journey is to stay true to who they are. Look for opportunities that are not only fulfilling but can allow them to grow as individuals and empowered as community members. Everyone’s journey will look different and while it’s easy to critique oneself over not getting a job or being “good enough”, remember that you bring a lot to the table as well. There is going to be a job or opportunity out there that is waiting for you so keep applying, keep building your networks, and keep seeking opportunities.
How has your campus job helped you build connections or networks within the university or broader community?
Beyond the obvious implications that being an RA allows you to build networks and connections within the Wesleyan community, in my role, I have been supported in thinking creatively about how to include everyone’s voices and advocate for them in the leadership positions I hold on this campus. This job has allowed me to show up in many different ways by being the Avenue for fellow first-generation low-income students of color to navigate college life and take up space at a Predominantly White Institution. Genuinely without my job, I wouldn’t have been able to interact with such an amazing staff (shoutout Foss Hill: WestCo, Nicolson, and Hewitt), a vibrant community, and network further with fellow ResLife staff in my role as a Union steward.
Give your campus job supervisor(s) a shout out – what did you love about their mentorship?
Cesar Cruz Benitez is my current supervisor and there really are no words to describe how valuable, empowering, and genuine this mentorship has been. I came into my job confident in my skills to lead and show up for others yet time and time again I have been able to learn how to act in uncomfortable situations and show up as my authentic self. Cesar acts with so much passion and care, not only within his job but for his staff members. That truly is inspiring for me to not only “do my job” but to go beyond the job description and seek ways to be a leader among leaders. So major shout out to Cesar for an incredible year of mentorship; I can’t wait to be on his staff again and I’m excited for the lessons and skills I’m going to develop
Updated May 16, 2024
