Breadcrumb
Sociology, B.A. | Class of
Briana Villalobos
Peer Assistant Coordinator
Employer: Clackamas Community College
Job description: As the Peer Assistant Coordinator, I help direct and lead the assessment and redesign of the Peer Assistant Program at Clackamas Community College (CCC). The Peer Assistant Program gives CCC students a chance to earn tuition waivers in exchange for service in a leadership role to an academic or administrative department on campus. Through this role, I coordinate with stakeholders across the college to assess the current program, research potential models for redesign, and develop a new model to enhance student learning and leadership development.
About Briana
Why did you choose this program?
I'm originally from Southern California and longed to be surrounded by the beautiful forest and beaches. As a transfer student, it was also one of the few schools that accepted all my credits for my degree. This meant I could graduate in a timely and more affordable manner, which is always a plus! What made me excited was the variety of course offerings and the intersection of all the topics I enjoyed: gender studies, environmental sociology, critical race theory, research methods, etc.
How did this program prepare you for your job?
The department's emphasis on research and methods has been instrumental in my professional career. I discovered my love for data and analysis at HSU. I was never good at math, but when taking the statistics course, it clicked! Finally, numbers told a story, one that could be instrumental in making change. The thesis project gave me the first opportunity to create effective surveys, analyze data, and create visual and impactful data. I've since conducted various surveys and research reports throughout my roles as a nonprofit development director and now as a research and administrative coordinator in higher education.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
The community! I made many long-lasting friendships throughout the program with both my peers and the instructors. It's been fascinating to see all the different paths my friends and I have taken with our degrees, but all of them are rooted in a critical lens and a desire to give back to our communities. I believe those values were further developed and reinforced throughout our time at HSU. The emphasis on environmental sociology and social justice incredibly influenced my activism and early professional career. Although I recently took a pivot in my career, I still hold those values true.
What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?
Connect with a current student or alumni! I believe in the power and realness of peer-to-peer support. Write down a list of questions on the top of your mind and ask away!