Work-Study President Assitant at Community Colleg.
My freshmen year of college I started working at Cedar Valley College. As the work-study in the Food Pantry. The experience was okay I had a bias supervisor. She would treat me like I was less than. One day I told one of my mentors that I was having a hard time at work. She surprised me with presenting me an new position I should apply for. I didn’t know it was the President Suite.
February 14,2022 I got the position as the Department Assistant for the President.
It’s funny how life throws you curveballs, especially in college. My freshman year at Cedar Valley College started with a work-study position that, honestly, was tough. I was in the Food Pantry, and while I wanted to help, the environment itself became a major source of stress. My supervisor had a clear bias, making me feel consistently undervalued, almost like I was less than others. It really took a toll on my confidence and made showing up to work a daily struggle. I felt trapped, not knowing how to change my situation, even though I knew I deserved better. One day, I just couldn't hold it in anymore. I confided in one of my mentors, someone I truly respected on campus, about how difficult things had become. I explained the constant feeling of being overlooked and the unfair treatment. Her advice and support were exactly what I needed. To my complete surprise, she didn't just offer sympathy; she presented me with an incredible opportunity – a new position she thought I'd be perfect for. I had no idea it was for the President's Suite! It felt like a glimmer of hope after a long period of feeling disheartened. The application process for the Department Assistant position in the President’s Office was a whirlwind, but in the best way possible. I remember meticulously crafting my cover letter and updating my resume to highlight my skills, even the ones I felt were overlooked in my previous role. Then came the interview stage. I received an email scheduling a virtual interview via Microsoft Teams, offering dates like February 2nd and 3rd. Preparing for it felt different; I was genuinely excited about this chance. I focused on showcasing my organizational skills, my ability to learn quickly, and my eagerness to contribute to a professional environment. The wait after the interview was nerve-wracking, but then came the message: “Got it…I will alert HR. Be on the lookout…they should be reaching out by the end of the day today.” My heart raced! Shortly after, HR reached out, and soon I got the confirmation that my background check was complete. The most exciting part was receiving the official offer – they were looking at a start date of Monday, February 14th! What a perfect Valentine's Day gift to myself! Stepping into that new role on February 14, 2022, felt like a fresh start. It wasn't just a job change; it was a testament to the power of speaking up and the impact of a good mentor. My experience taught me so much about self-advocacy and recognizing my own worth. If you're a college student navigating work-study or any job where you feel undervalued, please know that your experience matters. Don't be afraid to seek guidance from mentors or trusted advisors. Sometimes, the biggest opportunities come from unexpected places, and a little courage can open doors you never even knew existed. It truly changed my college experience for the better!