October 1, 2024 Edition
From the New Dean of Libraries, Kristin HartThis past summer, I got into my car with my elderly rottie mix, my teenage son, two rugs, some art, a smattering of books and a single giant suitcase and I headed west from New York City, where I’d been living and working for more than 35 years. Destination: Cal State East Bay in Hayward.
I knew this was going to be a big change for us, and I knew how beautiful the Bay Area is, but I did not anticipate how quickly I would fall in love with the Hayward Hills around campus, the smell of straw and eucalyptus, the spectacular views everywhere, and the people who had NYC energy and smarts (without the anxiety) and a friendliness and depth that comes from living somewhere especially nice.
Not to mention the food! Amazing food everywhere. Even the new Cane’s at the foot of the hill was a reason to celebrate.
As my first semester as Dean of Libraries gets well underway, I wake up grateful every day to walk over to the CORE Library building to see what the students are doing. The building was created for students and students fill every corner. Students are also there to help each other. Over 40 students work in the library building. They check out books, shelve materials, answer inquiries at the information desk, help students access and navigate technology, serve as subject and writing tutors at the SCAA, and perform many, many other duties.
Without our student workers, the Library and the Student Center for Academic Achievement (SCAA) simply couldn't operate. Two terrific exemplars of this hardworking crew are Faith Neuberger and Angel Lara Jimenez. We thought you might want to get to know them better.
By Linda S. Dobb
Meet FaithFaith Neuberger is a junior at Cal State East Bay, majoring in psychology. Faith started working as a Student Library Ambassador in 2022. She wanted to work in the library because she met another library ambassador who really seemed to be enjoying her work of answering questions at the Information Desk, helping with exhibits and presentations, and contributing to the Library's social media feeds. Faith does not believe she wants to be a librarian, but she enjoys being able to help students who come in the CORE and she likes seeing other students outside of class and in the context of the great library building. Faith has a flair for exhibits and she was instrumental in putting together the library's exhibit on banned books last year (Banned Book week this year will start on September 22, 2024). Faith has also assisted with other library activities, such as last year's Sustainability Crafts event and our APA (citation) workshops.
One of the most rewarding parts of Faith's job as an ambassador has been when students thank her profusely for being there and helping them when they are "at their wits' end." This year, Faith will work with other student library ambassadors on a series of small pop-up events in the CORE; these will be one hour sessions where people can get together and do themed crafts. As Faith noted: "Truthfully the CORE is the heart of the campus for students and I am happy to be working there."
Meet AngelAngel Lara Jimenez is the co-lead peer academic coach in the Student Center for Academic Achievement (the SCAA). Angel works with students on their study skills such as time management, planning and prioritization, utilizing resources, and communicating effectively. These are referred to as the "Four Pillars," and Angel not only talks with students on how to deploy these skills at East Bay, but he also trains other students to be peer academic coaches (there are currently 15 peer academic coaches in the SCAA).
Angel came to East Bay from Silver Oak High School in Hayward. He is a Kinesiology major who hopes to one day open a clinic and a gym. Angel stated that he is interested in helping individuals who are undergoing rehabilitative therapy. He would like to not only see them not only recover but also get stronger!
The impulse to help others has been strong in Angel since coming to East Bay in 2021. In 2022 he became a peer academic coach after observing another student perform this job as part of our Foundations of Success seminars. Angel attributes his strong sense of belonging at Cal State East Bay to his job as a peer academic coach. He loves working with students whether they are freshmen, sophomores or transfers. And, students love working with him. As one wrote: "Hey, Angel, I just want to say thank you for everything you have done not only for me but the class. I can see you have a passion to be around students and help others. Your actions will lead you to success in the future. Keep on striving for greatness!"
It's pretty clear that Angel will do just that.
Both Angel and Faith are wonderful representatives of the very talented and dedicated students working in the CORE. Thank you to Angel and Faith and to all of our great student assistants who help keep things humming at the "heart of the campus." Bravo!
Click on an image below for more information!
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