Hendrix Taylor

CSU Bakersfield Pathways Program

BECAUSE I’M A CSU STEM VISTA…

Being a CSU STEM VISTA has helped me improve my professional skills in leadership, public speaking, writing, and program management.

Before CSU STEM VISTA, I was seeking to gain more professional skills and be in a collegiate environment for work, which was exactly what I received. Through being a CSU STEM VISTA, I have learned about how to create, improve, and share success through servant leadership.

My Favorite Part of CSU STEM VISTA

My favorite part of being a CSU STEM VISTA is the opportunity to collaborate with both staff and students to create many fun, engaging, and empowering programs.

I’ve been able to create trainings, programs, and workshops with the 5 university programs I’ve supported. I’ve also been able to use my writing skills to edit the CSU STEM VISTA Recruitment guide, write proposals, and create sustainable materials for when I’m gone. Through VISTA, I’ve traveled to new parts of California, trained with supportive professionals, and inspired students. Without VISTA, I wouldn’t have been able to truly grow as a leader and empower others in the ways that I have so far.

My Typical Work Day

My activities depend on the day itself, but in general, I plan, coordinate, and support the two programs I’m tasked with - the Student Success Writing Project and the Math Ambassadors Program.

For the Student Success Writing Project, I coordinate assignment dates, meet with graders, organize essay materials, and create documents and recruitment materials to support the program. I hire essay graders, provide program support, organize essay materials, and evaluate the program itself. For the Math Ambassadors Program, a lot of my time is spent visiting ambassadors during their presentations. I coordinate classroom visits and evaluate the program to better increase program reach. In addition, I plan upcoming opportunities for ambassadors to expand their impact on campus. This includes meeting with my supervisor, performing research, coordinating presentations, and brainstorming different ideas with ambassadors.

Why I Chose My Campus

I wanted to work on my campus because I wanted to be in a diverse and open environment that embodied a culture of success and growth.

SDSU is a unique campus because of its rich diversity, campus programs, and geography, as it was built on Native land! The best part of working on the SDSU campus is the beautiful nature and mountains surrounding campus, positive people, and year-round sun! I especially enjoy exploring the campus and speaking with students directly to learn about their interests and aspirations. There’s always something to do on campus and off campus, so San Diego is ideal for all kinds of personality types. I wanted to work on my campus because I wanted to be in a diverse and open environment that embodied a culture of success and growth. The campus is very collaborative, and supportive, which promotes a great personal and professional atmosphere.

Why I Serve with CSU STEM-VISTA

I was motivated to serve with the CSU STEM VISTA program because I wanted to inspire and empower students to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals.

Coming from a STEM and leadership background, I knew that I wanted to participate in an organization that empowered students, while leaving room for creative freedom to improve and expand programs. CSU STEM VISTA also provided lots of professional development and networking opportunities, and so it was an ideal situation for me as a college graduate who was looking to gain further skills and opportunities. The CSU STEM VISTA program has given me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to truly understand and exercise my potential as a leader.

One Moment That Stands Out

After months of planning and preparation, it was both fun and inspiring to see students enjoy the events and network with panelists to expand their career awareness.

A moment that has personally impacted me greatly was leading the 7 Career Panel Series events during my first service term. Planning, organizing, and leading the 7 events was a project that definitely expanded my comfort zone and challenged me to grow in many professional areas: public speaking, recruitment, outreach, event coordination, committee organization, etc. After months of planning and preparation, it was both fun and inspiring to see students enjoy the events and network with panelists to expand their career awareness. From leading these events, my own personal and professional confidence increased. After successfully implementing these panel series events, I truly know what one VISTA and a helpful team can accomplish!

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