NASHWA RAFIQ

CSU Bakersfield Pathways Program

BECAUSE I’M A CSU STEM VISTA…

I have confidence in the workplace. It has given me the opportunity and space to share my ideas and bring them to life.

It has given me the platform to work with VISTAs from diverse backgrounds with one common goal, a better tomorrow. Working with CSUB STEM Pathways Program I have had the opportunity to work with students both one-on-one and in groups by helping them with their academic, personal and career goals. I have also had the opportunity to work with staff, faculty, and other VISTAs that taught me how to communicate effectively.

My Favorite Part of CSU STEM VISTA

My favorite part about being a VISTA is that we are not just helping others, we are helping ourselves.

I am surrounded by a cohort of VISTAs who are like family that I can count on to motivate me and that I can learn from. I love that self-care and building character is a big part of this program. I have learned skills that I can incorporate into any part of my life that have helped me find my place in this world. Something I have learned is that in order to help others you must first help yourself.

My Typical Work Day

I have many goals for this program, but my focus is student involvement.

Statistics have shown that the more involved the students are, the more likely they are to continue in school and be successful. I am working on improving the Pathways program by adding new events and new ways of continuing what was already being done. I have created new events and added new topics to the workshops. I have also been organizing fieldtrips to conferences related to the fields the students want to go into so that they get the opportunity to meet professionals in those fields.

Why I Chose My Campus

I love working on CSU Bakersfield campus. It is where I graduated from and it feels good to give back to the school.

CSUB has a very welcoming environment and is unique because it is one of the smaller schools. It is a commuter school, so we get students from the surrounding areas and it’s nice to see everyone come together as one. Being one of the smaller schools, we get the opportunity to get to know our students and watch their growth. At CSUB I’m surrounded by people who are eager to see the students become successful young adults.

Why I Serve with CSU STEM VISTA

After I heard about it, I immediately felt connected to it.

I have worked with five different VISTAs in my previous jobs. It was always interesting to see their assignments. I learned more about the CSU STEM program through my first boss. After I heard about it, I immediately felt connected to it. The goals of the VISTA program matched my personal goals. I also love to help others, and the VISTA program gives people the platform to help others in many diverse communities. Also, being a recent graduate, I was still finding my place in the career world and I feel like the VISTA program is perfect for that aspect.

One Moment That Stands Out

It has always been important to build friendships with people I work with, and in this position, it has been my favorite part.

Being in a group of eighteen VISTAs from different backgrounds, I have learned so much. My campus supervisor has been the most helpful. She has encouraged me and supported all my new ideas for the program. I feel that the friendships I have built in this program will stick with me through my entire life. I feel that who we surround ourselves with makes or breaks our job, and for this job it has truly made it.

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