
Starting out as a shy student, Alondra Chavez said she found her voice thanks to the encouragement of the faculty and staff she met at Stan State.
“I was full of anxiety and scared of putting myself out there during my freshman year,” Chavez said. “However, meeting new people and getting connected on campus helped me open up and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I was able to develop personally and professionally.”
Chavez got involved as a student assistant with the College Corps Program, working to support the program for four years and putting her leadership skills to work as a lead student assistant.
“Alondra is exceptional,” said Jorge Avila, a program coordinator in the Division of Academic Affairs. “I have seen her grow so much. I see her juggling her classes, work and fieldwork experience with so much determination. She is always so sincere and willing to help anyone.
She is always sharing on campus resources and knowledge with students to support them with any issues. She is constantly going above and beyond to meet the needs of the students participating in College Corps.”
Helping others comes naturally to Chavez who utilizes her knowledge of campus resources to support fellow students.is always sharing resources and knowledge on campus with students to support them with any issues. “She is constantly going above and beyond to meet the needs of the students participating in College Corps,” Avila said.
After she graduates, she plans to pursue a career in the education field, and she plans to stay in the Central Valley.
“I will be supporting youth and/or adults as they go through their educational journey,” she said. “I plan to work in higher education either as an academic advisor or in a program. However, I am also open to becoming a school counselor for middle or high school.”
#StanGrad File
Name
Alondra Chavez
Hometown
Stockton, CA
Degree/Credential
Master of Arts in Counseling with Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential
What memories stand out most from your time at Stanislaus State?
“One of the core memories I have is during my undergrad and in the Public Speaking course. As a freshman, I was so nervous to the point I would turn bright red whenever I spoke. Everyone in that class made sure I felt supported, and Dr. Joseph Carranza was encouraging. It was wonderful to feel that sense of belonging as a first-generation college student. After I finished the class, I felt more comfortable putting myself out there!”
Which faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you, and why?
“Dr. Dianne Vargas always encouraged and motivated me throughout my time as a graduate student. During my undergraduate, Dr. June Newman supported me, and I saw her as a mentor. She was the person who pushed me to apply for my master’s and told me she believed in me!
Lastly, Ms. Miriam Moreno and Mrs. Erin Littlepage have supported me all throughout my undergrad and graduate studies. Ms. Moreno always made sure I was taking the time for mental health and/or taking care of myself.”
What advice would you give to current and future students?
“Get out there! It can be intimidating at first, but once you take the first step to get out of your comfort zone, you will experience so many new things. Get connected on campus through clubs and organizations or attend events. Utilize the resources available to you such as the career center, tutoring center, health center and counseling services.”
Note: This article is part of the StanGrad series highlighting Stanislaus State students who are part of the Class of 2024. Read more StanGrad profiles.