Elaine Sidori

San Francisco State Institute for Civic and Community Engagement

BECAUSE I’M A CSU STEM VISTA…

I am equipped with professional skills and have had immense personal growth.

In regard to my professional skills, I have been able to form strategic partnerships and relationships, practice my analysis skills and develop both outreach and project management skills. In addition and in regard to my personal growth, being a CSU STEM VISTA has also allowed me to challenge myself on multiple occasions, which has only led to the development of my personal growth. I have been able to overcome a lot of my insecurities.

My Favorite Part of CSU STEM VISTA...

Has been developing relationships with students, fellow CSU STEM VISTAs and staff members.

During my time here as a VISTA member, I have been able to interact with many students who have gone on to share with me their interests, obstacles and goals. I have also enjoyed getting to know the staff members as well as faculty members at SF state, who have not only provided me with advice on developing my career, but have also blessed me with their friendship, and I am so grateful for that.

My Typical Work Day

Thus far, a typical work day for me involves the following:

I arrive at the office at 8:30 am, whereupon I check my emails, update the instagram social media page and go over what I will be doing on that given day. Having done that, I then work on whatever projects I have in hand, as well as attend any meetings. My project at SF State aims to incorporate service learning into STEM courses. Studies have shown that incorporating service learning into courses helps reduce the dropout rates. I am also working with the Associate Dean to develop programs for the new College of Science and Engineering’s Student Success Center that will make undergraduate STEM students feel heard and supported.

Why I Chose My Campus

What makes San Francisco State University unique is its diverse student body.

Having a diverse student body is extremely helpful, for it allows for meaningful discourse to happen all across campus. SF state is home to many social justice causes, and given the diverse population, you are able to hear different perspectives about a given social cause. Another great part about working here at San Francisco State is the staff members and the students who are very open and willing to help you with anything that you need. As a solo VISTA member on campus, it can be tough sometimes, so having the staff members take time out of their day to support me has been extremely helpful.

Why I Serve with CSU STEM VISTA

My passion for alleviating education inequality and my interest in learning about the various practices being implemented to eliminate education inequalit, motivated me to serve with the CSU STEM VISTA program.

While in college, I joined a volunteer organization that exposed me to the extreme inequality within the Bay Area schools. It was here that I felt the need and the urge to help improve youth education, especially in underserved communities. I felt that applying to the CSU STEM VISTA program would not only expose and educate me to the practices being implemented within STEM education, but it would also allow me to give back in a way that I otherwise would not be able to.

One Moment That Stands Out

One moment that has personally impacted me has been the interactions with students and my conversations with them.

Students shared with me the obstacles that they have had to endure in order to achieve their dream of graduating from college. I was saddened to hear about students not being able to meet some of their basic needs, as well as students working two jobs while going to school full time. After hearing these obstacles, I decided to reach out to the Health and Wellness Center (HWC) and was surprised to hear that STEM students are disproportionately underrepresented when it comes to seeking out resources. I now work in conjunction with the HWC to make STEM spaces more basic needs inclusive.

BACK TO VISTA PROFILES