Student Doniel McNevon and Business Services Manager Gayle Burns share a laugh. Photo by Nancy Coombs/UNM-LA

Student Joshua Keeney-Lujan accepts a certificate of appreciation from Barbara Cohen, Enrollment Representative/Admissions for UNM-LA Student Services. Photo by Nancy Coombs/UNM-LA

UNM-LA work-study students are, from left, Joshua Keeney-Lujan, Nora Guzman, Dylan Keeney-Lujan, Lydia Gurulé, Jose Ortega, Doniel McNevin and Riqué Fernandez. Photo by Nancy Coombs/UNM-LA

UNM-LA NEWS

UNM-Los Alamos (UNM-LA) department heads and staff recently hosted an appreciation breakfast for their work-study students. The work-study program creates positions that allow college students to gain work experience while enrolled in college. Faculty and Staff enjoyed the opportunity to reinforce the value of work-study positions and individual contributions with this special event.

Seven student workers were honored. Three of these students work in the Student Services department. In addition to a variety of office tasks, their duties include serving as receptionists at the information desk and assisting students and visitors.

Lydia Gurulé has been at UNM-LA since she graduated from Los Alamos High School. She feels work-study helps her gain professional skills. Gurulé said, “Student Services is a great place to work because all the academic advisors are close at hand.” Gurulé is pursuing her dream to become a family nurse practitioner, taking her basic classes at UNM-LA before completing her Nursing degree at Northern New Mexico College.

Nora Guzman is beginning her education at UNM-LA as she pursues her career goal of becoming an ultrasound technician. “In my work-study position, I enjoy getting to know the staff and advisors,” Guzman said.

Joshua Keeney-Lujan is studying business and marketing management. “Work-study provides me with valuable experience. It also helps me with my time management and keeps me on campus between classes.”

Dylan Keeney-Lujan, Joshua’s twin brother, works for the Office of Instruction. “Work-study allows me to work flexible hours, and that helps me keep my studies as a priority,” Dylan said. His career goal is to become a high school history teacher. The Keeney-Lujan brothers will both graduate with Associates degrees and transfer to UNM-Albuquerque at the end of the summer.

Riqué Fernandez works as a marketing assistant, doing a variety of things from social media to creating graphics and drafting press releases. Fernandez said that her position reinforces her studies. “I learn to write, gain new computer skills, and communicate with others.” Fernandez finds that her position as a work-study student has helped her become more involved in the campus, keep on schedule with homework, and learn about new educational opportunities.

Doniel McNevin recently completed her Associate of Science degree in Pre-Business Administration, and has a work-study position in the business office through the summer. “This position helps me develop my customer service skills, and learn about business procedures.” McNevin will attend Grand Canyon University in the fall.

Jose Ortega is studying computer engineering, and has a work study position with the UNM-LA IT department. “I’m learning about aspects of different careers in the computer field, and getting practice at troubleshooting,” Ortega said. “I’ve learned a lot about computer networking, and helped set up a network in the new testing center.”  Ortega continued, “Besides helping me discern what I want to study in college, my supervisors keep me accountable with my school work.”

UNM-LA students who are interested in working on campus should set up an appointment with Student Services to learn about their eligibility.

UNM-Los Alamos is an innovative, rigorous, and affordable comprehensive branch community college that provides foundations for transfer, leading-edge career programs, and lifelong learning opportunities. More information about UNM-LA is available at losalamos.unm.edu.