Major: Whittier Scholar (Sociology and Latin American studies) Minor: Spanish
Activities: I was very involved. I was a liaison between the Whittier Ecumenical Homeless Center and Whittier College, where I recruited students to volunteer at a shelter in the City of Whittier during the winter months. I was very involved in the Hispanic Student Association. I was also involved in establishing a series of social and political awareness weeks where we brought speakers from around the country to talk about political and social issues of that time, among other things.
What first attracted you to Whittier College? I had already been accepted to a large university when I was encouraged by one of my high school teachers to consider Whittier. I visited the campus, took a tour, did an interview and immediately fell in love with the place—the fact that it was an intimate and welcoming environment, the fact that you could have an active role in designing your education, the small class size, and the history and tradition of the College all attracted me to Whittier.
Why did you choose to study the Whittier Scholars with a focus in sociology? Specifically, from the very beginning, I wanted to be a Latin American studies major as part of the Whittier Scholars Program. I was interested in designing my major, working on my senior thesis, and incorporating my study abroad experience in Chile into my curriculum, as well as in my senior project, and it immediately was a good match for me.
Describe your experience at Whittier College. What was your most memorable moment at Whittier College? I got married at the College, and three of my college professors, whom I am still friends with, came to my wedding. The College is part of my personal history. I am the first of several of my family to go to Whittier. My sister graduated from Whittier right after me. I have a younger brother and a brother-in-law who also went to Whittier, so the College is part of my family.
How has your Whittier education benefited you professionally throughout your career? I am currently the City Administrative Officer of Los Angeles. I wouldn’t have this job now if it weren’t for Whittier College. Whittier College taught me how to be a more critical thinker and taught me to make connections between issues and disciplines and to think of problem-solving in a more holistic way. It certainly helped my communication skills and analytical skills. My entire career has been based on the strong foundation that the College gave me.
In 2012, you established an internship program in your office for Whittier students aspiring to work in the political field. What are some of the benefits of working with a Whittier student? Whittier students are great writers, hard-working, and come prepared. They come with the particular point of view of wanting to make a contribution, so I am always excited and encourage my office to bring in Whittier College students as interns.
What advice would you give to future sociology alumni when they graduate? Take advantage of everything that Whittier has to offer. It is a very supportive and accessible environment that allows you to try out things that you normally would never have experienced—whether it’s engaging in a particular extracurricular activities or sports or taking particular classes or disciplines. Whittier is the kind of place that allows you to really nurture different parts of your personality and your interests and develop into a much more holistic person.
Also take advantage of having very close relationships with faculty. Those relationships will go with your forever. As I said, I am still good friends with several of the faculty members who were critical to my development.
Finish this sentence: I am a ‘Poet for Life’ because I am a life-long learner.
-Are you a graduate of the Department of Sociology and want to share your story? Contact the Office of Communications at therock@whittier.edu.
