Student employees recognized for hard work

by Melody Regalado

For the first time, students working for the University are being recognized this week for their accomplishments during Student Employment Week.

“Student employees, like other employees, are major contributors to the operational and service mission of this institution,” said Carolyn Jackson, director of recruitment services for Human Resources.

Rashida Taylor, a junior majoring in finance, describes the two years she has spent  also working for the office of financial aid as a “rewarding experience” that has allowed her to see the University “at a whole new angle.”

“As a student, I am just a recipient of financial aid,” said Taylor. “As a student-worker in Financial Aid, not only am I able to learn about available awards, I am able to work alongside some of the most hardworking staff members here at the university. Thanks to the work study program, I have been given the opportunity to enhance my role here at FIU. I would truly recommend to any interested student to look into the program.”

Human Resources have been hosting events all week, which started with a kickoff luncheon on April 12. The events will culminate into an awards ceremony on April 16 in the Graham Center Ballrooms at the Modesto Maidique Campus, where University President Mark Rosenberg will announce the winner of the Student Employee of the Year award along with five finalists.

The prizes awarded will remain a surprise for everyone until the awards ceremony.

“We are pleased with the excitement surrounding this great week of recognition,” said Jackson.

Each department nominated one student they thought excelled at their job. They had to be either a Student Assistant or Federal Work Study recipient with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Mawou Francois, a senior majoring in accounting, is a nominee that works for the office of financial aid.

“As an accounting major, working for the Financial Aid Office has given me some insight into my future career,” he said. “The people I’ve met in enrollment services have opened doors of opportunities for me and I appreciate them for this. Being nominated means to me that my hard work and efforts for FIU are being recognized.”

Nearly 100 student employees were nominated this year. A committee who reviewed and narrowed down the finalists submitted them for approval by the vice president, director of recruitment services and manager for temporary and student employment services in Human Resources.

“Most times, students are the first face, voice and point of contact for other students, staff, and visitors,” said Jackson.

Jackson feels that employment during college helps students develop good work ethic as well as responsibility and teamwork skills.

“Work experience can also help hone skills and abilities essential to starting and maintaining a productive and meaningful career upon graduation,” Jackson said.

Nominee Kathryn Lopez is a sophomore education major who has worked for the office of financial aid since her freshman year.

“Not only is working on-campus convenient but it is a great and friendly work environment. My involvement in these programs has given me networking connections throughout the University which have been extremely useful,” said Lopez. “As for the being nominated for Student Employee of the Year, I consider it an honor. It is amazing to be recognize by my office. This nomination validates all of our hard work and makes me feel appreciated as an employee.