What’s Your Story?

USU: What do you do in your position with the USU?

Savannah: As a guest services assistant, I’m usually informing students by connecting them to different resources on campus and answering their questions. I also provide services for the faculty and staff, so I’m working both in front and behind the scenes.

USU: After graduating, what career path interests you?

Savannah: I’m aiming to go into the Student Affairs profession. This past year, I’ve decided I want to be either an academic advisor or a counselor because I’ve had such positive experiences working with them.

USU: What’s the best advice your supervisor has given you?

Savannah: I was once told to always be true to myself. When working with students, it’s important to be relatable. It fosters a relationship that students will continue to use because they feel comfortable.

USU: What are three goals you have at this moment?

Savannah: Get into a program for grad school. Take my fitness and health more seriously. Be a better plant mom

USU: If you could have any actor play you in a movie, which actor would it be?

Savannah: Rachel McAdams. I feel like all the roles she plays range from being the “sweet girl” to also being assertive, which describes me pretty well.

USU: Favorite movie genre?

Savannah: Probably comedy or action. The movie “Clueless” always makes me laugh.

USU: What do you do as a Student Building Manager with the USU?

Michelle: I typically ensure every event in the USU is running smoothly and provide help where needed. Now, I make sure everything is okay in our study spaces.

USU: What is your favorite part about working at the USU?

Michelle: Meeting new people every day. Different kinds of people. We get events with CSUN students and some events from the Northridge community and other areas. I love getting to know the many cultures and perspectives.

USU: How has working at the USU changed you?

Michelle: Compared to who I was before working at the USU, I feel that I’m more outgoing and willing to put myself out there. Without the USU, I would’ve never taken on leadership roles. Since joining the USU, I have served as president of the women's basketball club and president of Sports Club.

USU: What are 3 goals you have at this moment?

Michelle: Get an internship in my major. Switch over to healthier habits, eating more fruits and veggies. Open my own non-profit to help hospitals in third-world countries.

USU: If you could have any actor play you, who would it be?

Michelle: Zoey Saldana. I’m brown and there’s not a lot of women actors that look like me. I want someone who looks like me to play me. Plus, she’s a great actress.

USU: Who is someone you aspire to be like and why?

Michelle: My mom. She came here from Nicaragua and had a degree as an engineer. But she sacrificed that good-paying job to clean houses so I could have a better life in this country. Now, she works at a hospital in accounting. I have so much respect for her diligence and I’m so grateful to have her in my life.

USU: What is your position with the DREAM Center of the USU?

Gemma: I assist undocumented students in navigating the school system. I also co-facilitate our coffee talks where we have conversations on wellness and general check-ins with our students. The DREAM Center joining the USU felt so natural because we share the same goal to create a community space for all students.

USU: After graduating, what career interests you?

Gemma: As an urban planner, I want to engage folks to build and develop vulnerable communities to be safer and more vibrant. Often outsiders come in and make decisions for those communities, but I want to take what I’ve learned and bring it back to my community.

USU: What project have you done for the USU that makes you most proud?

Gemma: I oversaw creating programs and sashes for Undocu-graduation and it made me so happy to see the graduates look at the shout-outs for them. It was an honor to see so many folks be optimistic for the future and I was proud to give them a little gift to celebrate themselves.

USU: Who is someone you aspire to be like?

Gemma: Audre Lord is someone I’ve always praised. I admire how she connects to what it means to be here, what it means to have community, what love is, and her determination to live in a world where she chooses to be her full authentic self. /p>

USU: What do you do to help de-stress?

Gemma: Recently, I’ve been building a relationship with herbs. I have my own little garden where I cultivate the land. It’s so great to see your hard work flourish after harvesting and being able to share it with others. I love spending time with nature, it’s beautiful!

USU: Which musician would you want to sit in a front row seat to see?

Gemma: This is hard to choose! I think I would watch Blood Orange open for Solange.

USU: What do you do at the USU?

Liliana: I help students who are from mixed status families, undocumented or need any support at home. Since everything is virtual, I handle more complicated cases like financial aid for undocumented students. I also help teach the new interns.

USU: What project have you done for the USU that you’re most proud of?

Liliana: I’m really proud of the Dependents Binder. It includes important resources for students who have dependents. I complied all of the resources on CSUN campus as well as off campus. I wanted to advocate for students with dependents, like myself.

USU: What attracted you to working at the DREAM Center?

Liliana: I’m from a mixed status family. Growing up, I had to discover the best resources for my family since I was the oldest. I want to be a resource for my two younger sisters on how to navigate higher education. This job is perfect for me because I can help other students.

USU: What is something you are looking forward to at the moment?

Liliana: My sister’s 19th birthday! I’m still putting her gift together and I’m excited for her to see it.

USU: Who is someone you aspire to be like?

Liliana: My grandmother. She played a huge role in my life and I admired her willingness to push the family forward.

USU: Which musician would you sit in a front row seat to see?

Liliana: Lady Gaga. I’d love to watch her perform my favorite song, “Paparazzi”.