Position: Student Support Assistant
What led you to your current position? Upon finishing my undergrad in psychology, my goal was/is to become a therapist/counselor so I started looking for opportunities that would introduce me into the field of work whether directly or indirectly. I always enjoyed working with youth since I was in high school volunteering as a coach for my school’s summer basketball camps. I really wanted to serve the underserved population of kids in my surrounding community so when I came across the SSA position at Seneca it all seemed like a perfect fit. In addition to working with underserved youth in the east bay area, I get to work closely on a team with counselors, teachers, and many more individuals.
What inspires you to do this work? It is a great feeling knowing that I have a chance at positively impacting the lives of those that I serve through my position. The kids that I work with are the future and what happens to them now can have an effect on what they achieve later in their lives, so being able to give them that much more of an opportunity for success is very special.
What is a recent highlight you’ve experienced in the work or an important lesson you’ve learned in this role? Something important that I have learned while working as an SSA is that we can take away just as much from the clients as they take away from us. I have had the opportunity to both learn so much more about myself through this work and continue to build upon skills that are not only necessary to do this work, but that are great skills to have throughout life.
Share your life motto: I think one of the motto’s that I have recently began to use for my own life is “I’m just here to have a good time.” Whether it is with work, continuing my education, spending time with family and friends, or even doing everyday errands life should be a good time even when it seems tedious or frustrating. We have limited amount of time so why not try and enjoy the life we have, and this is the kind of energy I wish to bring to the kids I work with.