Student Employees Honored

For graduating senior Esmeralda Mendez, her student assistantship has been more than a way to make money while she earns her degree. It has been an opportunity for her to gain real world experience that she can one day use in her career. Mendez's diligence on the job was recognized when she was named the 2012 Student Employee of the Year during the Student Employee Award Ceremony on April 11.

"I was really surprised, but I feel so honored," said Mendez. "Just being nominated was pretty awesome. It was confirmation that my work here does not go unnoticed."

The accounting major has served as a student assistant at the Bursary as well as the Center for Outdoor Recreational Experiences (CORE) since May 2010. While exploring student assistantship opportunities, she sought those that would challenge her and be beneficial to her academic and professional success .

"Instead of simply applying to be a student assistant in any office on campus, I focused on the job descriptions when vacancies were posted to see if the duties matched what I was interested in doing. I knew that through working at the Bursary I would get some experience with financial transactions. In addition, I love the outdoors so I felt like the position with CORE would be a great personal experience for me."

Because of her exemplary work with CORE, Mendez was also offered an accounting internship with the center.

Mendez will earn her bachelor's degree this semester and plans to return in the fall to begin graduate courses in the accounting program. She has already been offered a position as a graduate assistant with Financial Services.

"I am certain that I would not have been offered the position with Financial Services if it was not for the work I have done with the Bursary and CORE." she said.

In addition to her work with the Bursary and CORE, Mendez has also been a summer orientation leader and a member of Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) for the past two years.

Last year, the Student Employee Award Ceremony incorporated the recognition of federal work-study students and graduate assistants into its presentation.

The 2011-2012 Federal Work-Study Award was presented to Tiffany Williams. Williams is the office team leader for Campus Recreation's office staff and also serves as a front desk staff member.

Williams is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in early childhood special education. Upon graduation, she plans to return to VSU to receive her master's degree. Williams hopes to become a pre-K or kindergarten teacher.

Benjamin Scott was recognized during the ceremony as Outstanding Graduate Assistant of the Year. Scott currently serves as a graduate strategic student assistant in Budget Services. He will receive his Master of Public Administration on May 4 and plans to pursue a position for the state or federal government.

The Student Employee Award Ceremony was hosted by the Office of Student Employment and the Graduate School. The ceremony is held every year during National Student Employment Week, which was observed April 9 to April 15.