Career Readiness and Advising

Transcript

Next up we’ve got Gemma. Gemma is a senior studying social science teaching and black studies. She’s excited to talk about her time mentoring students through orientation programs and how she’s prepared herself for her dream career. Take it away, Gemma.

– Thanks for the intro Alex. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to help people, but was never really sure how. It wasn’t until I experienced firsthand the impact that teachers can have in students’ lives that I decided to pursue education. Currently, I’m studying general social science teaching and black studies here at the UO. Through my amazing student leadership opportunities here with student orientation programs, I’ve had the ability to both meet and mentor incoming students. As a first-generation student of color I know how scary this transition can be, but the university has so many amazing resources to help you navigate your college experience. Through the various academic advising and career centers here on campus, you can meet with both staff and student peers to help map out your academic plan with focus on your career aspirations after graduation. Being able to use my firsthand experience to ease the worries of incoming students and their families/supporters has given me so many amazing skills that I’ll be able to use in and out of the classroom. Not only have I been able to really focus on facilitating and supporting students, but also my public speaking and overall confidence as a leader here at the UO. And I’ve been able to incorporate some fun along the way as well. I’m currently a part of DVC, which is the women’s identified acapella group here on campus. And I’ve also been a part of the UO women’s rugby team. There’s a little bit of everything here on campus. No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll be able to find it here at the UO. My time working with incoming students has definitely helped me get ready for my career in the classroom. Thanks for hanging out with me, everyone. Back to you, Alex.

– Thanks, Gemma. It’s great to see that the help you give incoming students also gives you the experience you need for your future as a teacher. All students, by the way, have access to mentors like Gemma, as well as professional staff for career and academic advising on campus, and even a whole building dedicated those services. The very one where Gemma was joining us from today. Thanks again, Gemma.